Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ:KTOS) and GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) have secured a U.S. Air Force Engineering, Manufacturing and Development contract for their jointly developed GEK800 engine, which has now received the military designation F143-ZZ-100.
The engine is being developed as a second-source propulsion system for the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, or JASSM, expanding the Air Force’s options for powering the long-range weapon.
F143 targets missiles and uncrewed aircraft
The F143 is an 800-lb thrust turbofan designed for long-range missiles and a range of uncrewed aerial platforms.
Kratos and GE Aerospace began collaborating on the propulsion system in 2023, combining their own investment with funding provided by the Air Force Research Laboratory.
The programme subsequently progressed through a Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction phase, which included extensive ground testing intended to validate the engine and reduce development risks ahead of the latest EMD stage.
Engine completes more than 50 starts
The joint development team has completed more than 50 engine starts across testing facilities operated by Kratos and GE Aerospace.
In 2025, the engine also successfully completed altitude testing at Purdue University’s Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories, providing further validation of its performance under conditions designed to replicate operational environments.
“The F143-ZZ-100 designation and EMD award are a testament to the strong performance and capability of the GEK800 engine and the strength of our partnership with Kratos,” said Amy Gowder, President and CEO of GE Aerospace Defense & Systems.
Companies invest in U.S. propulsion manufacturing
Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said the companies are making significant investments alongside government partners to address U.S. national security requirements.
A key part of that effort involves expanding domestic manufacturing capacity for lower-cost jet engines that can be produced rapidly and at scale for drones, cruise missiles and other defence systems.
The F143 is intended to support applications beyond JASSM, including cruise missiles, collaborative combat-type aircraft and other uncrewed platforms.
The latest Air Force award moves the engine into a more advanced development phase while strengthening the Kratos-GE Aerospace partnership in the growing market for affordable propulsion systems designed for next-generation autonomous and missile platforms.
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