US Marines Focus on MQ-58 Valkyrie Drones by Kratos to Strengthen Aerial Dominance
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On January 21, 2025, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a technology company specializing in defense, national security, and global markets, announced a $34,856,449 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification granted by the United States Marine Corps. This contract extension is intended to integrate mission systems and subsystems as part of the development of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Unmanned Aerial System Expeditionary (MUX) tactical drone program.
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Equipped with an internal payload bay, the Valkyrie can carry a range of mission equipment, including lethal weapons, electronic warfare systems, and even secondary drones, as demonstrated in previous tests (Picture source: US DoD)
Since 2022, Kratos and its industrial partner, Northrop Grumman, have been collaborating with the Marine Corps to define operational requirements for the MQ-58 Valkyrie variant. This partnership has led to the demonstration of advanced collaborative combat capabilities under the Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer Portfolio (PAACK-P) program, which is transitioning into the MUX TACAIR project in 2025. The contract modification includes non-recurring engineering and material acquisition for incremental development efforts, as well as additional flight tests to enhance the Valkyrie system’s capabilities.
The MQ-58 Valkyrie, developed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, represents a significant development in autonomous tactical drone technology. Designed as a stealthy, cost-efficient, and versatile platform, it operates alongside manned aircraft such as the F-35 to enhance their effectiveness in complex and contested environments. Initially launched as the XQ-58A, the Valkyrie is capable of various missions, including suppressing enemy air defenses (SEAD), intelligence gathering, and conducting electronic and lethal strikes. Its runway-independent design, employing rocket-assisted takeoff and parachute recovery, makes it particularly suitable for expeditionary operations in austere environments. Powered by a turbofan engine, the drone achieves high subsonic speeds over long distances.
Equipped with an internal payload bay, the Valkyrie can carry a range of mission equipment, including lethal weapons, electronic warfare systems, and even secondary drones, as demonstrated in previous tests. It also supports external configurations with wing-mounted hardpoints. Its stealth features and advanced communication capabilities, including the Multi-Function Data-Link (MADL), make it a strategic asset for coordinating operations with other platforms. This drone is central to programs such as MUX and PAACK-P, aimed at equipping the Marine Corps and the US Air Force with modern and cost-effective autonomous systems capable of addressing future conflict challenges.
The contract-related work will be carried out in Sacramento, California; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; China Lake, California; and Patuxent River, Maryland.
Colonel Derek Brannon, director of the HQ USMC Cunningham Group, emphasized the importance of these developments, noting that the Marine Corps is a leader in advancing collaborative combat aircraft. He stated that the goal is to operationalize a tactical platform that meets modern strategic requirements while remaining cost-effective. These systems, equipped with advanced and high-performance payloads, will provide essential capabilities to address current and future operational needs.
Steve Fendley, president of Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division, highlighted that this program demonstrates how the development and evaluation of unmanned systems can be achieved at significantly lower costs and faster timelines compared to manned military aircraft. He also pointed out that unmanned systems can be quickly integrated with existing manned platforms, reducing risks, enhancing efficiency, and extending the lifecycle of current systems before next-generation aircraft are available or funded.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie, designed by Kratos, is a high-performance tactical drone capable of operating without a runway and undertaking long-distance flights at high subsonic speeds. Combining cost-efficiency, operational flexibility, and a versatile payload capacity, the Valkyrie stands out as an adaptable system for a wide range of missions, including lethal payload deployments, at a cost-effective rate for US Department of Defense clients.
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. specializes in developing technologies and products for defense, national security, and commercial applications. The company focuses on internal research and development to deliver reliable, proven approaches that reduce costs and risks while accelerating the deployment of high-performance solutions. Positioned as an innovative disruptor in the industry, Kratos develops products optimized for high-volume production and cost-efficiency.
This latest announcement underscores Kratos’ commitment to developing powered drone systems, hypersonic technologies, space systems, C5ISR solutions, and immersive virtual and augmented reality training for military applications.
With this contract, Kratos solidifies its role as a key player in the development of unmanned aerial systems, enabling the Marine Corps to maintain a strategic advantage in collaborative aerial combat.
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On January 21, 2025, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a technology company specializing in defense, national security, and global markets, announced a $34,856,449 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification granted by the United States Marine Corps. This contract extension is intended to integrate mission systems and subsystems as part of the development of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Unmanned Aerial System Expeditionary (MUX) tactical drone program.
Equipped with an internal payload bay, the Valkyrie can carry a range of mission equipment, including lethal weapons, electronic warfare systems, and even secondary drones, as demonstrated in previous tests (Picture source: US DoD)
Since 2022, Kratos and its industrial partner, Northrop Grumman, have been collaborating with the Marine Corps to define operational requirements for the MQ-58 Valkyrie variant. This partnership has led to the demonstration of advanced collaborative combat capabilities under the Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer Portfolio (PAACK-P) program, which is transitioning into the MUX TACAIR project in 2025. The contract modification includes non-recurring engineering and material acquisition for incremental development efforts, as well as additional flight tests to enhance the Valkyrie system’s capabilities.
The MQ-58 Valkyrie, developed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, represents a significant development in autonomous tactical drone technology. Designed as a stealthy, cost-efficient, and versatile platform, it operates alongside manned aircraft such as the F-35 to enhance their effectiveness in complex and contested environments. Initially launched as the XQ-58A, the Valkyrie is capable of various missions, including suppressing enemy air defenses (SEAD), intelligence gathering, and conducting electronic and lethal strikes. Its runway-independent design, employing rocket-assisted takeoff and parachute recovery, makes it particularly suitable for expeditionary operations in austere environments. Powered by a turbofan engine, the drone achieves high subsonic speeds over long distances.
Equipped with an internal payload bay, the Valkyrie can carry a range of mission equipment, including lethal weapons, electronic warfare systems, and even secondary drones, as demonstrated in previous tests. It also supports external configurations with wing-mounted hardpoints. Its stealth features and advanced communication capabilities, including the Multi-Function Data-Link (MADL), make it a strategic asset for coordinating operations with other platforms. This drone is central to programs such as MUX and PAACK-P, aimed at equipping the Marine Corps and the US Air Force with modern and cost-effective autonomous systems capable of addressing future conflict challenges.
The contract-related work will be carried out in Sacramento, California; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; China Lake, California; and Patuxent River, Maryland.
Colonel Derek Brannon, director of the HQ USMC Cunningham Group, emphasized the importance of these developments, noting that the Marine Corps is a leader in advancing collaborative combat aircraft. He stated that the goal is to operationalize a tactical platform that meets modern strategic requirements while remaining cost-effective. These systems, equipped with advanced and high-performance payloads, will provide essential capabilities to address current and future operational needs.
Steve Fendley, president of Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division, highlighted that this program demonstrates how the development and evaluation of unmanned systems can be achieved at significantly lower costs and faster timelines compared to manned military aircraft. He also pointed out that unmanned systems can be quickly integrated with existing manned platforms, reducing risks, enhancing efficiency, and extending the lifecycle of current systems before next-generation aircraft are available or funded.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie, designed by Kratos, is a high-performance tactical drone capable of operating without a runway and undertaking long-distance flights at high subsonic speeds. Combining cost-efficiency, operational flexibility, and a versatile payload capacity, the Valkyrie stands out as an adaptable system for a wide range of missions, including lethal payload deployments, at a cost-effective rate for US Department of Defense clients.
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. specializes in developing technologies and products for defense, national security, and commercial applications. The company focuses on internal research and development to deliver reliable, proven approaches that reduce costs and risks while accelerating the deployment of high-performance solutions. Positioned as an innovative disruptor in the industry, Kratos develops products optimized for high-volume production and cost-efficiency.
This latest announcement underscores Kratos’ commitment to developing powered drone systems, hypersonic technologies, space systems, C5ISR solutions, and immersive virtual and augmented reality training for military applications.
With this contract, Kratos solidifies its role as a key player in the development of unmanned aerial systems, enabling the Marine Corps to maintain a strategic advantage in collaborative aerial combat.
