JetCat Defense announced its formation as a groundbreaking joint venture partnership between BSEL USA and JetCat Germany, creating a new American force in expendable defense propulsion systems. This strategic alliance combines BSEL Group’s five decades of defense industry expertise with JetCat’s revolutionary commercial-oriented manufacturing approach to address the urgent need for affordable mass production in military propulsion systems.
As the exclusive U.S. distributor for both companies’ engines, JetCat Defense provides BAA-compliant propulsion solutions specifically designed for mass deployment of strike-weapon, PGM, and UAV programs, such as the DoD Replicator Initiative. Operating from BSEL USA’s Ohio-based facility, JetCat Defense offers a non-traditional approach to commercial off-the-shelf jet engines for unmanned systems.
“Our partnership directly addresses the USAF’s ‘Affordable Mass’ strategy by combining BSEL’s combat-proven military engine expertise with JetCat’s cost-effective design approach and high-volume production capabilities,” said Ram Drori, CEO of BSEL Group. “While traditional aerospace suppliers remain constrained by conventional approaches, our partnership leverages BSEL’s defense expertise and JetCat’s commercial innovation and agility to deliver propulsion solutions optimized for expendable applications, fundamentally changing the cost equation for defense propulsion.”
“At JetCat, our non-traditional approach to manufacturing drives our creativity and sets us apart,” said Markus Zipperer, founder and CEO of JetCat. “With BSEL Group, we’ve found a partner who understands and respects our unique culture, ensuring we remain innovative while staying true to our values.”
For over 55 years, BSEL Group has served as a trusted Tier 1 defense and commercial supplier to major manufacturers, including Pratt & Whitney, GE, and Safran, with specialized expertise in expendable jet engines for cruise missiles. Designated as a “Technology Center of Excellence,” BSEL’s vertically integrated operations—spanning forging, casting, 3D printing, machining, a range of treatments, and testing—ensure unparalleled precision and reliability across its nine manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Israel, and Serbia.
Complementing this military heritage, JetCat brings its innovative manufacturing approach that has produced over 80,000 engines since 2000, currently manufacturing 15,000 units annually. Operating outside traditional aerospace constraints, JetCat utilizes mission-focused designs and a diversified supply chain to deliver high-performance engines at significantly reduced costs. JetCat manages every stage of development and production, including electronics and accessories.