In a strategic move underscoring the growing intersection of information technology and national defense, GE Aerospace has appointed Daniel Laakso as the new Chief Information Officer for its Edison Works division. Laakso, previously serving as the company’s enterprise CIO, will now oversee IT operations for cutting-edge military technologies, including radar systems, propulsion innovations, and AI integrations critical to modern defense supply chains. This appointment comes at a time when aerospace giants are ramping up investments in hypersonic and autonomous systems to meet evolving geopolitical demands.

Edison Works, GE Aerospace’s specialized unit focused on advanced propulsion and defense solutions, has been at the forefront of developing technologies like hypersonic engines and AI-enhanced radar. Laakso’s transition signals a deeper emphasis on digital transformation within these high-stakes areas. According to a recent announcement, this role will involve streamlining IT infrastructures to support rapid innovation in military tech, ensuring seamless integration of AI for enhanced decision-making and operational efficiency.

Elevating IT Leadership in Defense Innovation

Daniel Laakso brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as GE Aerospace’s CIO, where he managed enterprise-wide IT strategies amid the company’s spin-off from General Electric in 2024. His expertise in digital supply chains and cybersecurity will be pivotal for Edison Works, which handles sensitive projects involving next-generation fighter jet propulsion and unmanned systems. Industry observers note that this internal promotion reflects GE’s confidence in Laakso’s ability to bridge traditional engineering with modern IT demands.

Recent developments at GE Aerospace highlight the urgency of such leadership. For instance, the company recently demonstrated a hybrid electric propulsion system for the U.S. Army, rated at one megawatt, as part of a $5.1 million research initiative. This breakthrough, detailed in a press release from GE Aerospace News, underscores the need for robust IT oversight to manage complex data flows in hybrid systems.

AI Integration: The New Battlefield Imperative

AI is increasingly central to defense technologies, and Laakso’s role will likely focus on embedding machine learning into radar and propulsion systems. Posts on X, formerly Twitter, from defense analysts emphasize the momentum in AI-driven military tech, with companies like Lockheed Martin leveraging AI for mission-critical applications. As reported by Lockheed Martin, AI and machine learning are revolutionizing defense and space operations, a trend GE Aerospace is keen to capitalize on through Edison Works.

In September 2025, GE Aerospace collaborated with Merlin on an autonomy core initiative, aiming to advance AI solutions for crew reduction in civil and military aviation. This partnership, covered in GE Aerospace News, highlights the integration of AI for autonomous flight, areas where Laakso’s IT expertise will ensure secure and efficient data handling.

Propulsion Breakthroughs and Hypersonic Horizons

Edison Works has made significant strides in hypersonic propulsion, with GE Aerospace investing heavily in testing facilities. A June 2025 report from Airforce Technology details upgrades to hypersonic testing sites, following the rapid development of a dual-mode ramjet within 11 months. Laakso’s oversight will be crucial in managing the digital infrastructure supporting these high-speed innovations, including radar systems for tracking hypersonic threats.

Further expanding its portfolio, GE Aerospace partnered with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in June 2025 to advance small engine technologies, as announced in GE Aerospace News. The GEK800 engine recently completed altitude testing, designed for next-generation collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), reinforcing the need for integrated IT systems to handle propulsion data analytics.

Radar Advancements and Supply Chain Resilience

Radar technology remains a cornerstone of Edison Works’ efforts, with AI integration enhancing detection capabilities. X posts from defense accounts, such as those discussing gallium nitride (GaN)-based radars, reflect industry sentiment on the shift toward advanced phased-array systems. Lockheed Martin’s dominance in L-band radars, as noted in posts from users like AirPower 2.0, parallels GE’s push into similar technologies for military applications.

Supply chain challenges in defense tech have prompted GE Aerospace to prioritize AI for optimization. Laakso’s background in enterprise IT positions him to address these issues, ensuring resilient chains for components like propulsion systems. A recent financial update from GE Aerospace News reported third-quarter 2025 revenues of $12.2 billion, up 24%, driven by robust demand in defense sectors.

Strategic Partnerships Shaping the Future

GE Aerospace’s collaborations extend beyond propulsion, including ties with General Atomics for unmanned systems. X posts from Larsen & Toubro announce a strategic partnership with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for manufacturing remotely piloted aircraft in India, signaling global expansion in defense tech. Such alliances require sophisticated IT frameworks, which Laakso will oversee at Edison Works.

In the broader context, industry events like the 2025 Laureate Awards, covered in Aviation Week, celebrate innovations in aerospace, where GE’s hypersonic and AI breakthroughs were highlighted. Laakso’s appointment aligns with this momentum, positioning Edison Works to lead in integrating IT with emerging military technologies.

Navigating Geopolitical and Technological Shifts

As geopolitical tensions rise, the demand for advanced defense systems intensifies. Reuters’ aerospace coverage, available at Reuters, tracks global developments, including China’s new combat aircraft designs, which underscore the competitive landscape GE Aerospace navigates. Laakso’s role will involve fortifying cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive radar and propulsion data.

Financial analysts are optimistic, with UBS raising GE Aerospace’s price target to $366 in October 2025, as reported by Yahoo Finance. This confidence stems from strong earnings and innovations like the hybrid propulsion demo, areas where IT leadership is key to sustaining growth.

The Road Ahead for Edison Works

Looking forward, Laakso’s leadership could accelerate Edison Works’ contributions to unmanned and hypersonic domains. A September 2025 article from GE Aerospace News describes the company’s showcase of hypersonic, AI, and unmanned breakthroughs at a major industry event, stealing the spotlight since its 2024 standalone launch.

With AI integration at the core, Edison Works is poised to redefine defense technology. As posts on X from defense experts like Alpha Defense highlight advancements in GaN-based systems, GE’s strategic CIO appointment ensures it remains at the vanguard of this evolution, blending IT prowess with engineering excellence for national security.