PBS Aerospace and Zone 5 Launch Joint Rocket Initiative for Ukraine

Jet engine manufacturer PBS Aerospace has signed a subcontracting agreement with rocket producer Zone 5 Technologies.

According to the Czech-based PBS Group, the contract is valued at several tens of millions of U.S. dollars.

The deal comes after PBS Aerospace opened its U.S. headquarters in September 2025, a move supported by a $20 million investment.

The company’s U.S. division is expected to help increase jet engine production capacity.

“Our facility in Georgia is already operational and ramping up output to meet the needs of customers who require reliable, high-performance power units,” said Erin Durham, CEO of PBS Aerospace.

PBS Aerospace manufactures the PBS TJ40 jet engine, which produces approximately 395–425 N of thrust, as well as the PBS TJ80, which delivers a maximum thrust of around 900 N.

These engines are designed for integration into missile and unmanned systems, where compact size, low weight, and high performance are essential mission requirements.

The company also supplies its engines for Ukrainian strike systems.

For its part, Zone 5 Technologies specializes in the development of missiles and interceptor drones.

In 2025, the company was acquired by the Norwegian defense manufacturer Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

Zone 5 is developing low-cost missiles that can be produced in large quantities and used for long-range strikes as well as countering aerial threats.

Last year, the company accelerated development of the Rusty Dagger missile, which was tested in February this year at a U.S. Army range and is expected to be supplied to Ukraine.