Kratos and GE Aerospace Secure U.S. Military Contract for JASSM Engine Development
Event summary
- Kratos and GE Aerospace’s GEK800 engine received U.S. Military Type Designation F143-ZZ-100 and an EMD contract for the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM).
- The GEK800, now designated F143, is an 800-lb thrust turbofan engine designed for long-range missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles.
- The contract marks the advancement of a program aimed at providing low-cost, high-performance engines for defense applications.
- Kratos and GE Aerospace have completed over 50 engine starts in ground testing and successfully completed altitude testing in 2025.
The big picture
The contract award for the F143 engine underscores the growing emphasis on low-cost, rapidly manufacturable propulsion systems for uncrewed aerial vehicles and missiles. This development aligns with broader industry trends toward reindustrializing U.S. manufacturing capacity and capability in defense technologies. The collaboration between Kratos and GE Aerospace highlights the strategic importance of partnerships in addressing mission-critical needs for national security.
What we're watching
- Execution Risk
- The pace at which Kratos and GE Aerospace can scale production of the F143 engine to meet military demands.
- Market Dynamics
- How the U.S. military's focus on reindustrializing manufacturing capacity will impact the defense sector.
- Strategic Partnerships
- Whether Kratos can sustain its collaborative approach with GE Aerospace for future defense projects.