What Happened
Turbojet Engine Production Ramps Up for Low-Cost Cruise Missiles
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is preparing to move its small cruise-missile engine business into mass production, with plans to produce at least 3,000 Spartan turbojet engines in 2027 and 5,000 in 2028. The company is responding to growing U.S. demand for low-cost missiles, which could require tens of thousands of engines over the coming years. Kratos’ CEO Eric DeMarco said the company has already committed its supply chain to the first production increase, and is qualifying primary suppliers and backup sources to ensure a smooth ramp-up. The production plan centers on Kratos’ Spartan family of turbojets, which have an average selling price of about $50,000. This development was first reported by Defence Industry Europe.