Kratos reports successful J85 turbojet flight tests and outlines production scale‑up to 10,000+ units by 2029

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions announced that its TDI‑J85 turbojet engine completed successful flight tests in multiple launch configurations. The company has placed long‑lead component orders to build more than 3,000 engines for 2027 production and expects its Spartan manufacturing facility to be capable of producing over 10,000 engines per year by 2029. Senior Vice President Joseph Kovasity highlighted the engine’s versatility, while President and CEO Eric DeMarco said the scale‑up supports the Department of War’s demand for low‑cost, high‑volume propulsion.

Kratos says the expanded production capacity will allow it to meet rising defense demand for affordable turbojet propulsion, which could drive higher future sales and strengthen its position in the small‑engine market.

  • 1Kratos completed successful flight tests of the TDI‑J85 engine across lugged launch, palletized launch, and surface‑to‑surface configurations.
  • 2The company placed component orders to build more than 3,000 engines scheduled for 2027 production.
  • 3Kratos’ Spartan engine manufacturing facility is fully operational and is positioned to produce up to 10,000+ engines annually by 2029.
  • 4Senior Vice President Joseph Kovasity said the flight tests prove the versatility and reliability of the TDI‑J85 engine.
  • 5President and CEO Eric DeMarco said the Spartan family of small turbojet engines is central to the company’s strategy to deliver high‑quantity, low‑cost defense systems.

Sources