GE Aerospace’s Marine Engines & Systems business has secured orders to supply eight LM2500 marine gas turbine engines for the US Navy’s next two Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers — the future USS Intrepid (DDG 145) and USS Robert Kerrey (DDG 146). Each destroyer will be powered by four LM2500 engines, continuing the propulsion legacy that has made the Arleigh Burke class the backbone of the US Navy’s surface fleet for more than three decades.
As of January 2025, 74 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are active, all powered by GE Aerospace’s LM2500 engines. With these latest orders, GE Aerospace will have delivered engines for every active Arleigh Burke destroyer, representing 296 LM2500 engines across 74 ships in what is widely regarded as the US Navy’s most successful shipbuilding programme.
Mark Musheno, vice president of sales and marketing at GE Aerospace’s Marine Engines & Systems business, said: “The LM2500 has been the engine of choice for the US Navy’s destroyer fleet for decades, and we are proud to continue that legacy as the US Navy builds toward its 390-ship goal. GE Aerospace is committed to ramping up production capacity to meet the US Navy’s expanding fleet requirements while maintaining the quality and reliability that has made the LM2500 the most trusted marine gas turbine in naval service worldwide.”
The LM2500 marine gas turbine has been a cornerstone of naval propulsion since its introduction in 1969. Over the years, GE Aerospace has refined and evolved the engine family through variants such as the LM2500+, LM2500+G4 and others, combining continuous development with more than 55 years of operational experience. Today, the LM2500 boasts 99% reliability and remains the most widely used naval propulsion system globally, with thousands of engines in service across multiple navies.
To date, the US Navy has taken delivery of more than 700 LM2500 gas turbines operating aboard surface combatants such as frigates and destroyers. GE Aerospace’s commitment to innovation, reliability and comprehensive support ensures its position as the partner of choice for mission-critical marine propulsion.