GE Aerospace and Poland’s Military University of Technology (Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna or WAT) are embarking on an expanded partnership focusing on F-15EX engine training and advancements in additive manufacturing. A memorandum of agreement has been signed that outlines plans for the potential establishment of an engine training school at the university in Warsaw. This initiative aims to support the maintenance of the F110-GE-129 engine, which powers the F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet.
Under this agreement, GE will provide vital resources, including course materials, training sessions, and curriculum development aimed at equipping technicians and military personnel with the necessary skills to maintain and operate this advanced engine. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding the creation of an Aircraft Engines Additive Manufacturing Laboratory at WAT. This facility is expected to focus on developing the university’s capabilities in additive manufacturing, emphasizing both equipment provision and training.
While Poland is still considering the acquisition of the fourth-generation F-15EX to enhance its air force capabilities, Scott Keating, Regional VP/GM Sales, Business Development Europe at GE Aerospace, expressed the company’s commitment to prepare for this collaboration. He stated that GE wants to be ready to assist in training technicians and military staff on the advanced F110 engines, ensuring training readiness and enabling WAT to leverage GE Aerospace’s extensive expertise in additive manufacturing.
Brig. Gen. Prof. Dr. Eng. Przemysław Wachulak, Rector-Commandant of WAT, highlighted the institution’s objective to build upon its existing collaborations within the national defense industry. He noted that the partnership is designed to support local production, maintenance, and overhaul of the F-15EX engine, reinforcing Poland’s strategic defense capabilities.
Furthermore, the memorandum encompasses an extension of the ongoing collaboration between GE Aerospace and WAT related to the AH-64E Apache offset program, indicating a robust partnership aimed at enhancing Poland’s defense technology landscape.
The F110 engine itself is notable for delivering a maximum thrust of 29,500 pounds (13,381 kilograms), with over 90 percent of its components upgraded in recent years. It powers several fighter jets utilized by the U.S. military and allied nations, such as the F-15 Eagle, F-15EX Eagle II, and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Additionally, it is featured in Turkey’s developing fifth-generation KAAN combat aircraft, although future configurations may incorporate indigenous engines to reduce dependency on external suppliers.
