GE Aerospace Wins Air Force Contract for JASSM Engine

What happened

The U.S. Air Force awarded GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense an Engineering, Manufacturing and Development contract for the GEK800 turbofan engine, designating it the F143-ZZ-100. The engine, which generates 800 pounds of thrust, will serve as a second-source propulsion system for Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile. The GEK800 completed altitude, durability, and operational testing in October 2025. The two companies began collaborating on the engine in 2023 and officially unveiled it in July 2024. In February, they also received a $12.4 million Air Force contract to design the GEK1500, a next-generation engine based on the GEK800 for small collaborative combat aircraft.

Why it matters

This contract strengthens GE Aerospace's position in defense propulsion and diversifies its revenue beyond commercial aviation engines. Becoming a second-source supplier for the widely deployed JASSM programme provides a potential recurring revenue stream as the missile is used across multiple fighter and bomber platforms including the B-52 and F-35. The GEK800 is designed for cruise missiles, collaborative combat aircraft, and uncrewed aerial vehicles, positioning GE to participate in growing military autonomous and long-range strike capabilities. The development also reflects the Department of Defense's push to expand U.S. manufacturing capacity for affordable, high-volume military propulsion systems.

Bigger picture

The JASSM family, which includes extended-range and anti-ship variants, is a key component of U.S. standoff strike capability. The current JASSM models use engines from Teledyne and Williams International, so GE's entry as a second source introduces competition and supply chain redundancy for a critical weapons programme. The broader trend toward smaller, cost-effective turbofans for uncrewed systems and expendable platforms represents a strategic shift in military propulsion, driven by the need for mass production of drones and collaborative combat aircraft. GE's investment in this segment, alongside its commercial engine business, positions the company to benefit from growing defense spending on autonomous systems and advanced munitions.

What to watch

Track whether GE secures production orders for the GEK800 beyond development, which would confirm the engine's operational deployment with JASSM. Monitor the progress of the GEK1500 programme for collaborative combat aircraft, as success there could open additional defence contracts. Watch for updates on the volume and timeline of JASSM production, as higher missile output would directly benefit GEK800 demand. Follow any announcements on GE's share of the JASSM propulsion market relative to incumbent suppliers, which will indicate commercial traction. Finally, observe whether GE extends this small-turbofan platform to other military customers or allied nations operating the JASSM system.