Kratos and GE Aerospace won a $12.4 million U.S. Air Force contract to complete the preliminary design of the GEK1500 engine, targeting 1,500 lb of thrust while meeting cost objectives for affordable mass production. The program draws on GEK800 altitude testing to refine thrust output, power generation and lifecycle cost improvements for small collaborative combat aircraft.

Kratos will publish fourth-quarter results on February 23 after market close, providing investors with updated revenue, margin and backlog figures. The earnings report will offer insight into how recent contract awards and analyst revisions are shaping the company’s financial outlook.