AI-driven analytics and supply chain optimization aim to improve the performance and availability of J85 engines powering the T-38 Talon
Aurora, Colorado, March 16, 2026 – GE Aerospace has secured a contract from the Defense Logistics Agency to improve the operational readiness of the J85 engine, which powers the Northrop T-38 Talon, the primary training aircraft used by the United States Air Force.
Under the agreement, GE Aerospace will provide fleet management and supply optimization services designed to support the Air Force’s pilot training operations. The initiative will help ensure that aircraft engines remain operational and available for training missions by improving supply chain coordination and parts availability.
The contract marks the first TrueChoice Defense digitally enabled contract for the J85 engine. The initial agreement will run for seven months and includes an optional extension period of four years and five months. Through this program, GE Aerospace aims to enhance how maintenance, parts management, and supply chain processes are handled across the engine sustainment network.
A key component of the program involves the use of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics. The platform integrates data from multiple organizations involved in managing the aircraft engines, including the US Air Force, the Defense Logistics Agency, and GE Aerospace. By combining these datasets, the system can predict demand for engine parts, identify potential supply chain disruptions, and provide a clearer overview of maintenance and logistics requirements.
According to GE Aerospace, the goal is to help maintenance teams identify issues earlier and ensure that critical engine components are available when needed. This proactive approach is expected to reduce delays, improve maintenance planning, and increase the availability of training aircraft. The agreement builds on a previous pilot program that analyzed data across
several organizations responsible for managing more than 6,000 individual parts used in the J85 engine. The test program demonstrated how advanced analytics and digital tools can improve visibility into supply chain operations and support faster, more informed decision-making.
As part of the project, GE Aerospace is collaborating with Palantir Technologies to integrate aerospace engineering expertise with advanced data integration and artificial intelligence capabilities. The partnership aims to address supply chain challenges, enhance parts availability, and streamline operational decision-making across the J85 engine support network.
The Northrop T-38 Talon has long been a cornerstone of the US Air Force’s pilot training program. Ensuring the reliability and readiness of the aircraft’s engines is essential for maintaining consistent training schedules and preparing pilots for advanced missions.
GE Aerospace said it continues to invest in digital technologies and analytics platforms designed to improve sustainment performance and operational readiness for military engine fleets. By combining engineering expertise with data-driven insights, the company aims to support modern defense logistics and aircraft maintenance strategies.
