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.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet]()
US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet
The service has been conducting various procurement and development efforts to integrate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into its inventory.
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
