Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) is a managed service that simplifies the deployment, management, and scaling of containerized applications using Kubernetes. It allows developers to focus on building applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. GKE automates tasks such as provisioning, monitoring, and updating clusters, making it easier to maintain high availability and performance. With built-in security features and integration with other Google Cloud services, GKE provides a robust platform for running applications in the cloud.