Kratos and GE Aerospace Achieve Significant Program Milestone with Successful Ignition of GEK800 Turbofan Cruise Missile Propulsion System

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., (NASDAQ: KTOS) a technology company in the defense, national security and global markets, and GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) announced a key program milestone with the successful ignition of the GEK800 turbofan cruise missile propulsion system. Recently, the GEK800 Serial Number 1 was tested at the X-58 test facility, igniting successfully. This achievement initiates a new testing campaign and demonstrates a 100 percent success rate for this critical phase of development, keeping the program on schedule.

Recently designated the F143 and designed to meet the defined requirements of the Department of War for long-range, stand-off strike capabilities, the GEK800 represents a significant advancement in affordable, high-performance cruise missile technology. By leveraging modern engineering and cost-effective manufacturing processes, Kratos and GE Aerospace are positioned to deliver substantial capability and value to the warfighter.