Northrop Grumman and Kratos Team Up for Marine Corps Collaborative Combat Aircraft
On January 8, 2026, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a prominent player in the defense industry, announced that Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) has been awarded a crucial contract by the U.S. Marine Corps. This contract pertains to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft (MUX TACAIR) Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), demonstrating a significant advancement in uncrewed and crewed air operations aimed at achieving air dominance in high-threat environments.
Key Components of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft
Northrop Grumman is set to rapidly develop a range of advanced platforms as part of this initiative:
- Advanced Mission Kit: A cost-effective system that includes various sensors and software-defined technologies optimized for uncrewed aircraft operations. This mission kit allows for both kinetic and non-kinetic effects, enhancing the platform's combat readiness.
- Open Architecture Autonomy Software: The Prism software package will autonomously manage the operations of the aircraft, ensuring efficient and reliable performance.
- Valkyrie Uncrewed Aerial System: Developed by Kratos, this versatile system will feature conventional takeoff and landing capabilities, along with adaptable payload bays that can be customized for different missions.
Expert Insights on the New Initiative
Industry leaders have expressed their confidence in this partnership:
"Northrop Grumman remains at the forefront of advanced sensing capabilities, delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of the warfighter with unmatched speed and reliability," said Krys Moen, Vice President of Advanced Mission Capabilities at Northrop Grumman. "This enhanced capability set ensures optimal performance for both crewed and uncrewed platforms."
"The integration of the Kratos Valkyrie aircraft system configured with the world’s best multifunction mission systems from Northrop Grumman results in a high-capability CCA at a price point that enables the uncrewed systems to be deployed in mass with crewed aircraft," stated Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division.
Strategic Advantages and Future Implications
The partnership between Northrop Grumman and Kratos is poised to deliver a low-risk and expedited pathway for the U.S. Marine Corps to achieve its MUX TACAIR mission capabilities. With over 20 successful flight demonstrations in relevant operational environments, the CCA is designed to ensure persistent joint operations between crewed and uncrewed forces.
This collaboration underscores the integration of advanced technologies that contribute to survivability, connectivity, lethality, and supportability in defense operations.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is dedicated to delivering innovative technologies and solutions to defense, national security, and commercial markets. The company focuses on rapid research and development efforts to meet mission-critical needs, emphasizing affordability and efficiency through proven approaches.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement may contain "forward-looking statements" as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While Kratos believes these statements are reasonable, they involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Investors are encouraged to review Kratos' risk disclosures in their filings with the SEC, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2024.