Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS) and GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) announced that their GEK800 engine, now designated the F143-ZZ-100, has received a U.S. Air Force Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) contract to serve as a second-source propulsion system for the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM).

The F143 is an 800-lb thrust turbofan engine designed to power long-range missiles and other uncrewed aerial vehicles. Kratos and GE Aerospace began collaborating on the engine in 2023, supported by internal investment and funding from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), completing a Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) phase that included ground testing. The joint team has completed more than 50 engine starts at Kratos and GE Aerospace testing facilities. In 2025, the engine successfully completed altitude testing at Purdue University's Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories.

"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.

Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said the two companies are making significant investments with government partners to support U.S. national security priorities, including expanding domestic manufacturing capacity for low-cost, rapidly manufacturable jet engines for drones, cruise missiles, and other systems.

The engine is intended for use in cruise missiles, collaborative combat-type aircraft, and other uncrewed platforms.