GE Aerospace is committing $1 billion to expand its defense manufacturing capacity across the United States, aiming to accelerate aircraft engine production, strengthen supply chains, and meet growing military demand. The funding will support facilities and suppliers located in more than 30 communities across 17 states. In addition to facility upgrades, the company plans to hire approximately 5,000 employees in manufacturing and engineering roles, maintaining hiring levels similar to those recorded in 2025. The investment includes a range of infrastructure upgrades and advanced manufacturing improvements. GE Aerospace will allocate about $115 million to its Cincinnati operations to modernize infrastructure, upgrade testing facilities, and expand additive manufacturing capabilities, including 3D metal printing used for complex engine components. More than $275 million will also be directed toward upgrading facilities responsible for producing defense engines and associated parts, helping the company meet increasing requirements from US military programs. Specific projects include an investment exceeding $40 million at the Lynn, Massachusetts plant to expand machinery and test capacity, as well as approximately $10 million for equipment and facility upgrades at the Madisonville, Kentucky location. In addition to military programs, GE Aerospace is expanding production of commercial aircraft engines, particularly the LEAP engine series produced through the CFM International partnership with Safran. These engines power popular airliners such as the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. To support maintenance and sustainment needs, the company plans to spend about $200 million to expand manufacturing of high-pressure turbine durability kits that extend engine service life. Additional funding will include $20 million for assembly tooling upgrades in Durham, North Carolina, and $7 million to increase engine assembly capacity at the Lafayette, Indiana facility. More than $100 million will also be distributed among external suppliers to strengthen production stability by providing specialized tools and equipment. According to the company, GE Aerospace and its joint-venture partners currently provide propulsion systems for a large portion of global aviation, including engines used in two-thirds of US military aircraft and three-quarters of commercial flights worldwide.
