Kratos and GE Aerospace (GE) Push Forward with GEK800 Engine Testing

GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) is one of the must-buy US stocks to buy now. Kratos Defense and GE Aerospace announced on October 31 that they’ve completed altitude testing for the GEK800 engine, a joint project aimed at powering unmanned aerial systems and combat aircraft. The tests, which began in late September, were held at Purdue University’s Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories and marked the first use of the newly expanded ZL9 facility. The GEK800, an 800-pound jet engine, has already undergone over 50 ground test starts since the partnership began in 2023.

The Air Force Research Laboratory and Office of Naval Research supported the testing process. In June, the two companies formalized their collaboration to develop propulsion systems for next-generation unmanned platforms. Kratos brings decades of experience in small engine design, while GE Aerospace adds deep expertise in jet propulsion and manufacturing. The project reflects growing interest in affordable, high-performance engines for future defense technologies.

Earlier on October 27, Douglas S. Harned from Bernstein SocGen reaffirmed his Outperform rating on GE Aerospace and set a price target of $374. His outlook reflects growing strength in the company’s commercial aftermarket segment, which he believes will support higher margins over the next decade.

The rating followed a solid third quarter, with GE Aerospace boosting its Customer Equipment Services revenue guidance by $1 billion. LEAP engine deliveries also beat expectations, prompting Bernstein to raise its 2025 earnings estimate to $6.28 per share and increase its revenue forecast to $41.8 billion.

GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) designs, manufactures, and services jet and turboprop engines, as well as integrated systems, for commercial, military, and business aircraft. The company is a leader in propulsion, and its products are used in commercial and military aircraft globally. It also provides maintenance services and other aviation technologies to improve engine performance and efficiency.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.