Globenewswire·2026-02-23 13:00Core Viewpoint - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and GE Aerospace have secured a $12.4 million contract with the U.S. Air Force to design the GEK1500 engine, aimed at enhancing performance and reducing costs for small Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) [1][2]. Group 1: Contract and Engine Development - The contract focuses on completing the preliminary design of the GEK1500 engine, which is expected to meet high performance and cost targets [1]. - The GEK1500 engine is designed to provide 1,500 lbs of thrust and is intended for use in unmanned aerial systems, collaborative combat aircraft, and missiles [3]. - The development of the GEK1500 builds on the successful GEK800 engine program, utilizing lessons learned to improve thrust, power generation, and lifecycle costs [2][4]. Group 2: Strategic Collaboration - The partnership between Kratos and GE Aerospace is formalized through a teaming agreement that aims to advance propulsion technologies for affordable unmanned aerial systems and CCA-type aircraft [5]. - This collaboration enhances the companies' existing relationship and is based on a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding to develop cost-effective engines for unmanned platforms [5]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - Recent altitude testing of the GEK800 engine has demonstrated critical technologies that will enhance the performance of future systems, including increased range and decreased lifecycle costs [4]. - The GEK1500 engine design leverages the successful architecture of the GEK800 cruise missile engine, which is currently undergoing technical maturation [3]. Group 4: Company Backgrounds - Kratos has over 25 years of experience in developing small, affordable engines for UAS, drones, and missile platforms, while GE Aerospace brings a century of expertise in propulsion technology [7]. - GE Aerospace operates with an installed base of approximately 49,000 commercial and 29,000 military aircraft engines, emphasizing its leadership in aerospace propulsion [8].