In a significant move to bolster its defense capabilities, GE Aerospace has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Poland’s Military Aviation Works (WZL-2). This partnership is aimed at developing a comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) program specifically for the F110-GE-129 engine. WZL-2 is a key subsidiary of Poland’s state-owned PGZ Group, emphasizing the collaboration between state-owned enterprises and private defense contractors.
The agreement outlines a thorough assessment of the requirements for both intermediate and depot-level maintenance of the F110 engine, covering crucial aspects such as tooling, machining, training, and necessary modifications to test cell operations. Through this collaboration, GE Aerospace intends to pinpoint local opportunities that can meet Poland’s maintenance needs for the F110 engine, thereby enhancing local capabilities in aircraft support.
Sean Keith, the F110 Product Director at GE Aerospace, expressed the significance of the MoU, stating that it would facilitate the identification of opportunities to support Poland’s maintenance requirements for the F110 engine. He highlighted that the design features of the F110 include Shop Replacement Units, which allow for 90 percent of maintenance to be performed locally. This capability is expected to significantly reduce both downtime and lifecycle costs associated with the engine.
The F110 engine is a powerhouse, generating an impressive 29,500 pounds (13,381 kilograms) of thrust. It is the engine of choice for Boeing’s F-15EX fighter aircraft, along with the F-16 Block 50 and its newer variants. As part of its modernization efforts, the Polish government is reportedly contemplating the acquisition of the F-15EX, even as it moves forward with a contract signed with the United States in August 2025 to upgrade its F-16 Block 52 fleet to the advanced Block 72 configuration.
In a complementary initiative, GE Aerospace also engaged in a partnership with the Polish Military University of Technology recently. This partnership aims to potentially establish an engine training school dedicated to F110 maintenance and to explore the creation of an additive manufacturing laboratory, further enhancing Poland’s capabilities in aircraft maintenance and support.
