What Happened
ITEP Program Moves Forward Despite Delays and Funding Issues
The US Army is aiming to have the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) reach its full qualification rating in 2028, despite facing delays and a near cancellation as part of the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI). The program, which was originally scheduled for delivery in 2022, has been hindered by supply chain issues and manufacturing troubles. However, Congress provided $175 million in fiscal 2026 to continue the program, and the Army has completed its first flight test with a UH-60 Black Hawk. The ITEP, designed to provide a 50% increase in horsepower and a 25% improved fuel efficiency rate, is intended to replace the T700 engines currently on all AH-64 Apaches and UH-60 Black Hawks. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.