LYNN, Mass. - GE Aerospace has been awarded a $1.4 billion contract by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) for Lots 9-13 of T408 engines, continuing its support for the U.S. Marine Corps’ heavy-lift helicopter, the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion.

This multi-year award follows six previous contracts for T408 engines, including the $684 million Lot 6-8 block-buy contract announced in April 2023. Under the latest agreement, GE Aerospace will deliver new production and spare engines as well as sustainment services, with final assembly being performed at the company’s Lynn, Mass., facility.

The CH-53K is powered by three T408 engines. The helicopter achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC) with the Marine Corps in April 2022. Each T408 provides 7,500 shaft horsepower, which delivers 57 percent more power than its predecessor, the GE Aerospace T64, while also offering significantly improved fuel efficiency and maintainability.

This extra power allows the CH-53K King Stallion to offer three times the range and payload capacity of the CH-53E model it is replacing in USMC service, enabling the transport of heavy equipment, troops, and supplies.

Source: GE Aerospace
Associated URL: https://www.geaerospace.com/news/press-releases/ge-aerospace-awarded-14-billion-contract-additional-t408-turboshaft-engines

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing Defense Systems a contract exceeding $2 billion to initiate the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) for the B-52H Stratofortress. Under the task order announced on December 23, Boeing is charged with modifying two bombers with new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and associated subsystems, followed by comprehensive systems integration and testing. This development work, which will take place across facilities in Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, and Indiana, is scheduled for completion by May 2033 and follows the program’s critical design review.

This contract represents a significant milestone in a sweeping $48.6 billion overhaul intended to extend the service life of the 76-strong B-52 fleet into the 2050s or 2060s. Upon completion of extensive upgrades, which include modernized avionics, new digital displays, and improved communications, the aircraft will be redesignated as the B-52J.

The modernization of the B-52 fleet is critical to an Air Force plan to transition to a two-bomber fleet of upgraded B-52s and at least 100 new stealthy B-21 Raiders, while retiring the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit in the 2030s.

Progress on the fleet's modernization is already visible, with the first B-52 equipped with a new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar flying to Edwards Air Force Base in December. The Raytheon-made AN/APQ-188 Bomber Modernized Radar System, installed at Boeing’s San Antonio facility, is designed to provide upgraded navigation and targeting capabilities across various weather conditions.

Source: Defense News
Associated URL: https://www.defensenews.com/air/2026/01/06/us-air-force-awards-boeing-2b-contract-to-begin-b-52-engine-upgrades/

ELKTON, MD - On January 7th, Northrop Grumman announced the U.S. Navy has awarded it a $94.3 million contract to design, develop, and qualify a new 21-inch diameter second-stage solid rocket motor to support extended-range missile applications.

The program aims to improve the Navy’s ability to defend against air, surface, and hypersonic threats by increasing range and responsiveness across several mission areas. The company will develop and produce an initial set of 60 motors for testing at its Propulsion Innovation Center in Elkton, Maryland. The Navy has also indicated interest in eventually using this propulsion technology on a variety of platforms.

The second-stage solid rocket motor is designed as a low-risk, rapidly developed solution that emphasizes affordability, manufacturability, and high performance. The motor has demonstrated accelerated development timelines, completing successful static fire testing within ten months, and is engineered to extend missile range while maintaining compatibility with existing and future systems.

Source: Northrop Grumman
Associated URL: https://news.northropgrumman.com/srm/US-Navy-Selects-Northrop-Grumman-for-Second-Stage-Solid-Rocket-Motor-Program