Kratos Unveils Ragnarök Low-Cost Cruise Missile With 500 Nautical Mile Range

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Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a leading technology company specializing in defense, national security, and global markets, has officially introduced its groundbreaking “Ragnarök” Low-Cost Cruise Missile (LCCM) system. This new platform represents a major leap forward in tactical strike capabilities, combining affordability with advanced engineering. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern warfare, the Ragnarök LCCM offers a balance of performance, versatility, and cost-effectiveness.

Ragnarok LCCM. Photo: kratosdefense.com

Commitment to Affordability and Performance

Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems, emphasized the company’s dedication to developing high-performance strike systems that align with budget realities. He explained that the Ragnarök LCCM’s modular design maximizes combat capability while offering flexible carriage and launch options. By complementing systems like Northrop Grumman’s Lumberjack, the Ragnarök demonstrates the growing importance of affordable weapons in this emerging class.

Ragnarok LCCM. Photo: kratosdefense.com

Specifications

The Ragnarök LCCM delivers a range of impressive specifications that set it apart from many existing systems. It can operate at altitudes up to 35,000 feet, giving it the ability to perform in diverse mission environments. With a cruise speed greater than Mach 0.7, it ensures rapid deployment and effective strike execution.

The Ragnarök LCCM is engineered to deliver exceptional performance metrics for a system in its class. With a range of 500 nautical miles and the ability to carry an 80-pound payload, it is optimized for precision engagement missions across diverse operational scenarios. This makes it a highly adaptable solution for both unmanned and manned applications in modern combat environments.

Ragnarok LCCM. Photo: kratosdefense.com

Compact and Transportable Design

One of the most innovative aspects of the Ragnarök LCCM is its compact design, which incorporates a wing-folding mechanism. This feature allows for seamless storage and transport, making the system highly practical for deployment in various operational theaters. The design ensures that the missile can be easily integrated into existing logistical frameworks without requiring extensive modifications.

XQ-58 Valkyrie and Ragnarok LCCM. Photo: kratosdefense.com

Advanced Engineering Features

Kratos has integrated several advanced engineering innovations into the Ragnarök LCCM. The fuselage and empennage are constructed from carbon composite materials, ensuring both strength and reduced weight. Additionally, the propulsion system has been enhanced specifically for strike missions, providing optimized performance at a competitive cost.

Flexible Carriage Options

The Ragnarök LCCM is compatible with standard 14-inch rack systems, making it suitable for a wide range of platforms. It can be carried internally, externally, or even on pallets, offering unmatched flexibility for mission planning. This adaptability ensures that the system can be deployed across multiple aircraft types and operational scenarios.

Overcoming Design Challenges

Kratos’ engineering team faced significant challenges in balancing performance, affordability, and manufacturability. Through innovative design solutions, they created a strike platform that maximizes combat effectiveness while remaining cost-efficient. The result is a system that demonstrates Kratos’ ability to rapidly develop and deploy advanced unmanned technologies to counter emerging threats.

Affordability as a Strategic Advantage

One of the most striking aspects of the Ragnarök LCCM is its affordability. With estimated production costs of approximately $150,000 per unit in quantities of 100, it offers exceptional value compared to traditional cruise missile systems. This cost-effectiveness enables widespread deployment, ensuring that warfighters have access to advanced strike capabilities without overwhelming defense budgets.

A Philosophy of Rapid Development

Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, highlighted the company’s philosophy of moving quickly and investing internally to deliver relevant solutions. He emphasized that Kratos focuses on producing tangible products rather than theoretical concepts, ensuring readiness for mass production. This approach positions Kratos as an industry leader in affordable unmanned aerial drones, hypersonic systems, strike weapons, and propulsion technologies.

Ready for Production and Deployment

The Ragnarök LCCM has successfully completed its initial development phases and is now ready for production. Kratos is actively engaging with defense partners to explore deployment opportunities across multiple mission profiles. This readiness underscores the company’s ability to transition from concept to production in record time.

Strategic Implications for Modern Warfare

The introduction of the Ragnarök LCCM has significant implications for modern warfare. By combining affordability with advanced performance, it allows militaries to expand their strike capabilities without incurring prohibitive costs. This democratization of advanced strike technology could reshape the way nations approach tactical engagements in the future.

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