Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Development of Marine Corps CCA in Collaboration with Kratos Valkyrie

Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) has been awarded the development of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Marine Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft (MUX TACAIR) Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This strategic collaboration merges Northrop Grumman’s preeminent uncrewed capabilities and autonomous technology with Kratos’ Valkyrie uncrewed aerial system, enhancing air dominance in high-threat operational environments.

Innovative Platform Development

Northrop Grumman is set to create and expedite the rollout of platforms including:

• Advanced Mission Kit: This cost-efficient mission kit incorporates cutting-edge sensors and software-defined technologies specifically crafted for uncrewed aircraft, ensuring versatile combat readiness through both kinetic and non-kinetic operations.
• Open Architecture Autonomy Software: Known as Prism, this comprehensive autonomy software suite will autonomously manage aircraft operations, allowing for seamless integration and functionality.
• Kratos Valkyrie Uncrewed Aerial System: Designed for a wide range of missions, the Valkyrie features conventional takeoff and landing capabilities, enhanced runway adaptability, and a modular airframe complete with customizable payload bays for diverse operational effects.

This agile solution consolidates Northrop Grumman’s reliable mission systems with Kratos’ advanced Valkyrie technology.

Expert Insights

Krys Moen, Vice President of Advanced Mission Capabilities at Northrop Grumman, states: “We are leading the charge in advanced sensing technologies, crafting innovative solutions that cater to the needs of the warfighter with unparalleled speed and dependability. This robust capability set guarantees high performance for both crewed and uncrewed platforms.”

Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, comments: “The synergy of the Kratos Valkyrie with Northrop Grumman’s superior multifunction mission systems culminates in a highly capable CCA, priced to facilitate mass deployments alongside crewed aircraft.”

Strategic Development and Outcomes

Northrop Grumman has effectively streamlined its sensors and mission capabilities into a compact package, resulting in a more accessible solution tailored for uncrewed platforms. Through the collaboration of existing product lines and proven capabilities, Northrop Grumman, Kratos, and their commercial partners have developed a missionized CCA with essential elements of survivability, connectivity, lethality, and maintainability. With over 20 successful flight demonstrations in relevant operational settings, this initiative offers the U.S. Marine Corps a low-risk and expedited route to achieving MUX TACAIR mission capability, facilitating continuous joint crewed and uncrewed expeditionary operations.

As a prominent provider of autonomy and mission solutions, Northrop Grumman boasts decades of expertise in unmanned systems, complemented by more than 500,000 autonomous flight hours. The company is committed to developing comprehensive capabilities that support a wide spectrum of uncrewed solutions, including MUX TACAIR, Lumberjack, Project Talon, and Beacon.

Northrop Grumman stands at the forefront of global aerospace and defense technology. Our innovative solutions empower customers to connect and safeguard our world while exploring the furthest reaches of the universe. Fueled by a collective mission to address our customers’ most significant challenges, our team continuously redefines what is possible.