MTU and GE Aerospace expand partnership into naval sector

September 8, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Engine specialists MTU Aero Engines and GE Aerospace are deepening their collaboration for industrial gas turbines, building on their existing partnership in marine services and the field of aircraft propulsion.

At the heart of this initiative are the high-performance industrial gas turbines LM2500 and LM6000 – aero-derivatives based on GE Aerospace aircraft engines that have been adapted for marine use. MTU already manufactures various components for both models and provides maintenance services at locations around the world.

According to the partners, gas turbine propulsion systems are already widely used in military naval applications. They are in service with the German Navy on board frigates. The LM2500 from GE Aerospace could also play a central role in powering the navy’s next-generation F127 frigates, where procurement is currently underway for at least five ships of this class.

German shipbuilder thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) will play a leading role in the development and production of the Type F127. The company established a joint venture with compatriot NVL Group to work on the construction of the future F127 frigates.

Germany gives green light to Type F127 frigate program

Vessels

“MTU and the German armed forces have successfully cooperated in engine maintenance for more than 20 years. MTU employees and Bundeswehr personnel work hand in hand,” said André Sinanian, Managing Director and Senior VP of the MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg site.

“Together with GE Aerospace, we now intend to transfer this aviation expertise to the naval domain – supporting German and international naval forces with proven technology and reliable service.”

“MTU is the ideal partner for us in the naval sector: technologically outstanding, closely connected with the German military, and globally positioned with strong service capabilities,” commented Mark Musheno, Vice President Sales & Marketing at GE Aerospace.

“The LM2500 continues to bring advanced aviation technologies to energy markets and naval propulsion. Given our longstanding collaboration in Aerospace, MTU expanding into the maritime sector is the logical next step – both strategically and technologically.”

In addition to component production and maintenance, packaging – the preparation of turbines for stationary use in power plants or aboard ships – plays a crucial role. GE Aerospace and MTU are examining possibilities to centralize this packaging work for the global market (excluding the U.S.) at MTU Maintenance in Ludwigsfelde.

In Germany, maintenance is carried out primarily at MTU’s Ludwigsfelde site. The company is currently investing in increased capacity there, including a state-of-the-art facility covering more than 10,500 square meters.

Over the next few years, MTU plans to increase its maintenance output for LM-series industrial gas turbines by 30 percent compared to 2024.