Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors

GE Aerospace and Kratos ignite first GEK800 cruise-missile turbofan, advancing production program

GE Aerospace and Kratos successfully ignited the first GEK800 turbofan propulsion system at Kratos’ X-58 test facility in San Diego. The milestone begins a new test campaign for the F143 cruise-missile engine and keeps the program on schedule 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 of the first GEK800/F143 engine moves the cruise-missile propulsion program from development toward expanded testing and production.
The milestone is tied to a program aiming for large-volume production, with potential relevance to JASSM propulsion requirements.
GE Aerospace and Kratos remain on schedule, making engine industrialization a key next step for the program.

Reported By

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