GE Aerospace wins $2.87B Navy contract and hypersonic development award

GE Aerospace has secured a five-year, $2.87 billion performance-based logistics contract from the Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support. The agreement is designed to maintain and support 17 F414 engine components used in the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 E/F/G aircraft, including Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets. The contract is scheduled to run through August 2031, with the Navy committing $198.2 million in fiscal 2026 working capital funds toward the initial delivery order.

In addition to the logistics deal, GE Aerospace received an award from the Defense Innovation Unit to advance its HyCAT hypersonic test platform. This program involves developing a liquid-fueled hypersonic test vehicle to support high-cadence airborne testing capabilities.

To meet production demands, the company is also preparing to significantly increase production of the older F404 engine, which is used in platforms like the U.S. Air Force T-7 Red Hawk trainer. GE is exploring new manufacturing methods, such as 3D printing and additive manufacturing, to produce critical components more quickly and at a lower cost.