Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Kratos and GE Aerospace ignite first GEK800 turbofan for cruise missiles, advancing toward production

Kratos and GE Aerospace successfully ignited the first GEK800 turbofan propulsion system at Kratos’ X-58 test facility in San Diego. The milestone opens a broader testing campaign and keeps the cruise-missile engine program on schedule as it moves toward large-volume production, including potential JASSM applications.

Discovered 2026-09-21T11:20:36.966540-07:00 | 2026-09-21T11:20:36.966540-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

The successful ignition is a key propulsion milestone for the GEK800/F143 program and supports its transition from development testing toward production.
The engine is intended for cruise-missile applications, with the program described as advancing toward large-volume production and potential JASSM production.
The milestone begins a new testing campaign, providing an indicator of progress for a defense propulsion effort involving two major industry partners.

Reported By

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