Kratos XQ-58A of the U.S. Marine Corps to be Equipped with Northrop Grumman Advanced Mission Kit

Northrop Grumman has been selected through a competitive process to deliver the U.S. Marine Corps’ Marine Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft (MUX TACAIR) Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This program integrates Northrop Grumman’s expertise in autonomous systems with Kratos’ Valkyrie uncrewed aerial vehicle, enabling joint operations with crewed fighters to secure air superiority in contested environments.

Stealth F-35 Flies with Kratos XQ-58A. Photo Credit: U.S. Marine Corps

Northrop Grumman has engineered its mission systems into a compact and cost-efficient package tailored for uncrewed platforms. This missionized CCA integrates survivability, connectivity, lethality, and supportability, combining proven product lines with advanced technologies. More than 20 flight demonstrations have already validated the system in operationally relevant conditions, offering the Marine Corps a low-risk and accelerated path to expeditionary air combat capability.

The company’s Advanced Mission Kit forms a central element of the solution. It incorporates sensors and software-defined technologies that allow the aircraft to deliver both kinetic and non-kinetic effects. This modular approach ensures adaptability across mission types while maintaining combat readiness. Complementing this hardware, Northrop Grumman’s Prism autonomy software provides open architecture control, enabling the aircraft to manage its operations independently and coordinate with other assets in complex scenarios.

The Valkyrie platform supplied by Kratos Defense and Security Solutions further enhances mission flexibility. Its modular airframe and payload bays allow rapid reconfiguration for different roles, while conventional takeoff and landing options expand deployment possibilities. Together with Northrop Grumman’s mission systems, the aircraft is positioned to support expeditionary operations that combine manned and unmanned assets in high-threat theaters.

The Valkyrie’s technical specifications highlight its role as a versatile UCAV. Measuring 30 feet in length with a wingspan of 27 feet, the aircraft has an empty weight of approximately 2,500 pounds and a maximum takeoff weight near 6,000 pounds. Powered by a Williams FJ33 turbofan engine generating about 2,000 pounds of thrust, it cruises at Mach 0.72 and can reach altitudes up to 45,000 feet. With a range exceeding 3,000 nautical miles, the platform is capable of extended missions. Payload capacity includes 600 pounds internally and another 600 pounds externally, supporting precision-guided munitions such as the GBU-39 and other mission equipment.

Kratos’ XQ-58A Valkyrie was originally conceived under the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology initiative. Designed as a stealthy and affordable unmanned combat aerial vehicle, it was intended to serve in loyal wingman roles. The aircraft employs rocket-assisted launch and parachute recovery for runway independence, though later developments introduced runway-capable variants to expand operational flexibility. Its mission set includes reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike operations, with potential applications for the Air Force, Marine Corps, and export customers.

By integrating Northrop Grumman’s autonomous leadership with Kratos’ proven UCAV design, the Marine Corps gains a collaborative combat aircraft capable of persistent operations. The partnership delivers a cost-effective yet advanced solution, ensuring that uncrewed systems can operate alongside traditional fighters to achieve air dominance in future conflicts.

Written by Henry Wan

Henry Wan is an independent defense journalist with over 14 years of experience reporting on military affairs and security issues. He has covered defense strategies, military technology, and geopolitical developments with a consistent focus on accuracy, independence, and a comprehensive understanding of global security matters.