GE Aerospace And Kratos Sign $12.4 Million Contract To Create 1,500-Pound Stealth Engine That Could Redefine U.S. Combat Drones

Written by Jefferson Augusto

Published on 23/02/2026 at 15:18

Updated on 23/02/2026 at 15:20

GEK1500 terá empuxo de 1.500 libras para UAS e mísseis.

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New GEK1500 Engine Boosts Collaborative Aircraft and Reinforces American Low-Cost High-Scale Military Strategy

GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions announced a joint contract with the United States Air Force worth US$ 12.4 million. The goal is to develop a next-generation engine for small combat collaborative aircraft (CCA).

This agreement marks a significant advancement in American military strategy. Additionally, it reinforces the investment in stealth and scalable unmanned aerial systems.

The initial phase of the program aims to complete the preliminary design of the GEK1500 engine. The team needs to meet rigorous performance requirements. At the same time, it must meet aggressive cost targets for mass production.

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GEK1500 Delivers 1,500 Pounds of Thrust for Drones and Missiles

The GEK1500 is a jet engine with 1,500 pounds of thrust. It will be able to equip unmanned aerial systems (UAS), combat collaborative aircraft, and missiles.

Furthermore, the project leverages the architecture of the GEK800, originally developed for cruise missiles. Currently, this engine is in an advanced stage of technical maturation.

Stacey Rock, president of the Turbine Technologies Division at Kratos, emphasized that the development strengthens the company’s ability to produce high-performance engines quickly. According to her, the team remains committed to reducing costs.

For his part, Steve “Doogie” Russell, vice president of Edison Works at GE Aerospace, stated that recent altitude tests on the GEK800 yielded valuable insights. This data is now being directly applied to the GEK1500.

Consequently, the new engine is expected to deliver greater thrust, better electrical power generation, and lower life-cycle costs. In addition, the project aims to meet stringent deadlines.

The contract includes an additional option. If activated, it will allow for the assessment of critical risks and the testing of engine performance in real flight and installation conditions.

American Strategy Prioritizes Affordable Engines and Accelerated Production

The United States Air Force prioritizes high-performance engines at low cost. This strategy is central to enabling the disruptive capabilities of small CCA.

Recent altitude tests with the GEK800 demonstrated increased range and thrust. Additionally, they reduced life-cycle costs and enhanced electrical power generation.

These advancements are expected to reduce costs and timelines for the GEK1500. Therefore, the program is likely to accelerate its entry into operation.

In June, GE Aerospace and Kratos formalized a technological cooperation agreement. The objective was to drive propulsion systems for affordable drones and CCA aircraft. This understanding expanded a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024.

Kratos has over 25 years of experience in developing compact engines for UAS, drones, and missiles. Meanwhile, GE Aerospace boasts a century of experience in propulsion technology.

Furthermore, GE has the capability to scale projects for high-cadence production. This facilitates the transition from prototypes to large-scale operation.

Thus, the partnership combines established industrial experience with military innovation. The ultimate goal is clear: to create stealthy collaborative drones that operate alongside manned fighters.

In this way, the GEK1500 could become a key component in the next generation of combat air systems for the United States.

Do you believe that stealth collaborative drones could completely change the way air wars will be fought in the coming decades?

GE Aerospace And Kratos Sign $12.4 Million Contract To Create 1,500-Pound Stealth Engine That Could Redefine U.S. Combat Drones

New GEK1500 Engine Boosts Collaborative Aircraft and Reinforces American Low-Cost High-Scale Military Strategy

GEK1500 Delivers 1,500 Pounds of Thrust for Drones and Missiles

American Strategy Prioritizes Affordable Engines and Accelerated Production

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GE Aerospace And Kratos Sign $12.4 Million Contract To Create 1,500-Pound Stealth Engine That Could Redefine U.S. Combat Drones

New GEK1500 Engine Boosts Collaborative Aircraft and Reinforces American Low-Cost High-Scale Military Strategy

GEK1500 Delivers 1,500 Pounds of Thrust for Drones and Missiles

American Strategy Prioritizes Affordable Engines and Accelerated Production

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Seven world powers including the US, China, and Russia are spending €22 billion on a reactor in the south of France that aims to confine plasma at 150 million degrees Celsius, ten times the temperature of the Sun’s core, using a magnetic field capable of lifting an entire aircraft carrier.

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With a wingspan of 152 meters, 76 tires, and a capacity to carry 1,270 tons, the Boeing Pelican was the giant “flying ship” that promised to cross oceans close to the water on an invisible air cushion beneath its wings.

While countries spend billions to draw water from the sea, a Nobel-winning scientist creates a container-sized machine that extracts up to 1,000 liters per day from dry air and uses ultrasound to release water in minutes, even in the middle of the desert.

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