Kratos receives MQM-178 Firejet contract

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has received a ten-year framework contract from QinetiQ UK for its MQM-178 Firejet aerial targets, the company announced on 16 July.

The contract also includes spares, ground support equipment, technical services and training.

Kratos’ Firejet provides a means to test multiple weapon systems with a single flexible unmanned aerial target system. Firejet supports both surface-to-air and air-to-air engagements with a combination of internal and external mission kits including tow targets, proximity scoring, passive and active radio frequency augmentation and infrared augmentation. The Firejet system can be launched from land as well as from ships with a pneumatic launcher.

Steve Wadey, CEO of QinetiQ, said: ‘Following the successful use of Firejet in Formidable Shield 2017, QinetiQ recognised the value to our customers of being able to include it in future UK exercises and trials.

‘This framework contract enables this and supports a broader strategic partnership that exists between QinetiQ and Kratos to collaborate in other areas of mutual benefit.’

QinetiQ operates the UK Ministry of Defence Hebrides training range.