Kratos and GE Aerospace fire up first GEK800 cruise missile engine

The joint Kratos–GE Aerospace effort to build a low-cost turbofan for cruise missiles has reached its first hardware milestone: the inaugural GEK800 engine, Serial Number 1, completed its initial ignition run at the X-58 test facility in San Diego, California.

The programme, unveiled at the Farnborough International Air Show on 22 July 2024, aims to deliver an affordable propulsion option for long-range and stand-off strike munitions — an area where the Department of War has signalled demand for engines that can be produced rapidly and in volume as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and munitions proliferate.

Formal recognition followed earlier this year. On 17 August 2026, the US Air Force assigned the engine the designation F143-ZZ-100 and awarded an initial engineering, manufacturing and development (EMD) contract, the phase in which a design is matured ahead of production decisions.

With ignition now complete, the GEK800 moves into the next stage of ground testing as the partners work toward integration with missile airframes and, ultimately, series manufacturing.

Company executives framed the test as evidence that turbine development can be executed quickly and inexpensively. Chris Rawlings, vice-president of Kratos’ Defense Engine Portfolio, credited the combined industry-government test team with “set[ting] the benchmark for operational efficiency,” adding that it shows the nation can still develop turbine engines affordably and at pace. Stacey Rock, president of Kratos’ Turbine Technologies Division, said Kratos is accelerating schedules as it prepares for high-volume GEK800 production to support advanced cruise missile systems.

In their announcement, the companies stressed a strategy built on pairing performance with reduced lifecycle costs — an argument aimed at prime contractors seeking competitive propulsion for government missile procurement programmes.

Shares in both partners traded lower in the most recent session: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) closed at $46.85, down 3.94% from the prior close of $48.77, valuing the aerospace and defence firm at roughly $9.26 billion. GE Aerospace (GE) traded at $325.48, off 2.98% from $335.49, with a market capitalisation of about $337.7 billion.

What to watch

• Progression of the GEK800 through its next round of ground testing following ignition.
• Follow-on contract awards under the EMD phase from the US Air Force.
• Announcements of missile integration partners or prime contractor selections.
• Kratos’ upcoming earnings, where management commentary on engine production readiness is expected.

Source: original release