Kratos’ TDI-J85 has been selected to power the precision-guided weapon. The JDAM LR is designed to carry a 500-pound-class payload for more than 300 nautical miles.
The company has ordered long-lead components for a large Spartan engine production run planned for 2027. The run will support several customers and applications, with Boeing’s JDAM LR identified as a key programme.
“National security priorities demand affordable mass and resilient, domestic supply chains,” said Steve Fendley, president of Kratos Unmanned Systems. “Kratos’ internally funded and proactive supply-chain investments ensure we are not just preparing for future demand, and we are actively manufacturing the high-volume propulsion systems our customers require today.”
Production will take place at Kratos’ 22,500-square-foot propulsion manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The plant is fully operational and configured for full-rate production.
Kratos said the larger production run will generate economies of scale and reduce costs. The J85 was originally designed to support the JDAM LR application.
The company is also implementing a three-phase manufacturing infrastructure plan to expand output. The investment is intended to support faster responses to new customer requirements and the Department of War’s push to increase domestic jet-engine capacity.
“The operational readiness of our Auburn Hills facility marks a pivotal transition from engineering development to high-rate tactical manufacturing,” said Joseph Kovasity, senior vice-president of Kratos TDI. “Integrating the Spartan turbojet family into Boeing’s JDAM LR program provides a reliable, scalable, domestically sourced propulsion solution that meets urgent national defense needs.”
