Kratos expands UAV production facilities

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions’ Unmanned Systems Division is opening new engineering and production facilities in Oklahoma City, US, to meet increased demand for jet powered tactical and target UAV systems, the company announced on 26 January.

Kratos recently announced a $23 million UAV system production award from an unnamed customer and a $93 million contract to supply target UAVs to the US Army. This most recent contract makes Kratos the sole supplier of jet-powered, sub-scale target UAVs to all branches of the US military.

Kratos is also working on the development of a high performance tactical UAV system that can act as a wingman to manned fighter aircraft or can operate independently.

The company's Mako tactical UAV system completed its initial successful test flights in 2015 and recently participated in a major military exercise, with additional flights planned for this year. Kratos is scheduled to deliver its next generation tactical UAV, Valkyrie, in 2018.

Eric DeMarco, president and CEO of Kratos, said: ‘Kratos is focused on delivering technology and products for greater effectiveness at an affordable cost for our customers, and our new facility in Oklahoma City is another step forward in the successful execution of that strategy.’