The F143 is an 800-pound-thrust turbofan designed for long-range missiles and other uncrewed systems. GE Aerospace and Kratos are positioning the engine for applications spanning cruise missiles, collaborative combat-type aircraft and other unmanned aerial vehicles.
“The F143 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. This reflects years of disciplined engineering to deliver propulsion systems that meet the evolving, mission-critical requirements of our military customers,” said Amy Gowder, President and CEO of GE Aerospace Defense & Systems.
GE Aerospace and Kratos began working together on the engine in 2023, combining internal investment with support and funding from the Air Force Research Laboratory. The effort included a Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction phase intended to mature the design and reduce technical risk before further development.
The joint team has completed more than 50 engine starts during ground testing at facilities operated by Kratos and GE Aerospace. In 2025, the engine also completed altitude testing at Purdue University’s Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories.
The new Air Force award advances the F143 specifically as an alternative propulsion source for JASSM. The program also supports a broader effort to expand U.S. manufacturing capacity for lower-cost jet engines that can be produced in larger quantities for missiles and autonomous aircraft.
“Kratos has been working with our outstanding partner GE Aerospace and the United States Air Force to support the Department of War in reindustrializing U.S. manufacturing capacity and capability in the area of low cost, rapidly manufacturable, in large quantities, jet engines for drones, cruise missiles and other systems. The DoW is providing industry clear demand signals, including multi-year contractual framework agreements for missile systems, and both Kratos and GE Aerospace have responded, including making significant investments with our government partners, to support U.S. National Security priorities,” said Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos.
The military designation and EMD contract give GE Aerospace and Kratos a path to continue maturing the F143 for JASSM while supporting wider propulsion requirements. The companies said the engine program is aimed at combining lower cost, high performance and manufacturing scalability for future U.S. military applications.
