AFA 2026: United States Micro Turbine targets US small jet engine market

United States Micro Turbine, founded in San Francisco in May 2026, is entering the domestic market for small jet engines used in drones and missiles. Its first product, the single-spool USMT-400 turbojet, produces 400 newtons of thrust, weighs 3.75 kilograms and can burn Jet-A, JP-8 or diesel. The company is targeting a supply gap created by surging defense demand and reduced access to Chinese engines, but it must demonstrate durability, manufacturing scale and cost competitiveness before becoming a dependable source for high-volume munition programs.