GE Aerospace has secured an order for eight LM2500 marine gas turbines to power two upcoming US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Ray Mabus (DDG 147) and USS Robert R. Ingram (DDG 149). The contract will support the propulsion requirements of both vessels, which will be built to the advanced Flight III configuration.
Each destroyer will be equipped with four LM2500 gas turbines for propulsion. GE Aerospace has supplied propulsion engines across the entire Arleigh Burke-class programme, reinforcing its long-standing role in supporting the US Navy’s surface fleet.
According to the company, 75 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers were in active service as of April 2026, with all vessels powered by LM2500 engine systems. GE Aerospace’s Marine Engines & Systems business also highlighted its ongoing investments in workforce development and manufacturing capacity to meet sustained demand for marine propulsion technologies.
LM2500 Engine’s Extensive Naval Applications
The LM2500 gas turbine has become a key propulsion solution for naval surface combatants, including destroyers, frigates and other warships. GE Aerospace stated that the US Navy has received more than 700 LM2500 engines for its surface fleet.
The engine entered naval service in 1969 and has undergone several upgrades to improve performance, reliability and operational capabilities. Its development has resulted in advanced variants, including the LM2500+, and LM2500+G4.
The LM2500 engine family benefits from technological improvements developed through both military and commercial applications. Hardware enhancements and operational experience gained from industrial installations have also contributed to the evolution of its naval configurations.
These developments have helped maintain the engine family’s relevance across different naval platforms, supporting propulsion requirements for modern surface combatants and other specialised vessels.
Recent Naval Propulsion Contracts
The latest US Navy destroyer order follows several other marine propulsion agreements secured by GE Aerospace during 2026.
In September, South Korea selected GE Aerospace to supply 12 LM2500+G4 gas turbines for six planned KDDX destroyers. The engines will support the vessels’ electric propulsion systems, contributing to the South Korean Navy’s next-generation surface combatant programme.
Earlier, in May, Austal USA ordered an LM2500+G4 gas turbine and generator for the future USNS Don Walsh, the lead vessel of the Explorer-class ocean surveillance ship programme. The ship is under construction at Austal USA’s shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
The vessel will use a combined propulsion arrangement incorporating gas-turbine and diesel-generated electricity to power its propulsion system, supporting its specialised ocean surveillance mission.
GE Aerospace Expands US Defence Manufacturing Capacity
Alongside its growing naval propulsion business, GE Aerospace has announced significant investments to strengthen its US defence manufacturing capabilities.
Earlier in 2026, the company unveiled a $1 billion investment programme across its US facilities and supplier network to expand defence production capacity and increase engine manufacturing output. The initiative also includes plans to recruit approximately 5,000 manufacturing and engineering professionals.
The investment is intended to strengthen domestic industrial capabilities, support defence programmes and address growing demand for advanced aerospace and marine propulsion systems.
With additional LM2500 orders for the US Navy and international naval programmes, GE Aerospace continues to expand its presence in the global marine propulsion market. The engine family’s established operational history, continuous upgrades and adoption across multiple naval platforms underline its importance in supporting modern warship development and fleet modernisation.
