Air Force taps GE Aerospace and Kratos for JASSM engine

Colin Demarest

Low-angle view of a white missile with a rounded nose and tail fins cruising through the blue sky at sunset. — An artist's depiction of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile. Photo: Courtesy of Lockheed Martin

GE Aerospace and Kratos were together named a secondary propulsion supplier for Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile.

Why it matters: Another option never hurt.

Driving the news: The companies on Monday announced their co-branded GEK800, a turbofan capable of generating 800 pounds of thrust, was designated the F143 by the U.S. military and secured an engineering, manufacturing and development contract.

The dollar value was not disclosed.

What they're saying: "This reflects years of disciplined engineering to deliver propulsion systems that meet the evolving, mission-critical requirements of our military customers," Amy Gowder, president of defense and systems at GE Aerospace, said in a statement.

The GEK800 completed altitude testing last year.

Context: Lockheed describes JASSM as one of its first cruise missiles; it has since grown to include extended- and extreme-range variants. They are used on fighters and bombers alike.

Zoom out: Pentagon chief weapons buyer Michael Duffey visited GE Aerospace's facilities in Cincinnati on Monday.

Go deeper: Lockheed eyes Air Force test of extreme-range missile by year's end

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Air Force taps GE Aerospace and Kratos for JASSM engine

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