Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
- Company typePublic
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersSan Diego, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
- Legal name
- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.
- Website
- https://kratosdefense.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Defense Manufacturing and Defense Technology Systems
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms (IMABAMAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Military Aerospace Engines & Propulsion (IMABAMAD), Military Space Systems (Defense Spacecraft) (IMABACAC)
Keywords
Where Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Diego
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices14 records
Markets served
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Government Defense Contracts: Kratos generates the majority of its revenue through long-term government defense contracts with U.S. Department of Defense agencies, military branches (U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Space Force), and foreign allied governments. Revenue is project-based, driven by contract awards, backlog conversion, and program milestones. The company has two primary operating segments: Government Solutions (which includes Defense Rocket Systems, C5ISR, satellite ground systems, and microwave products) and Unmanned Systems (aerial targets, tactical UAS like Valkyrie, autonomous ground systems, and propulsion).
- Commercial / Non-Defense Revenue: Kratos generates a smaller portion of revenue from commercial applications of its dual-use technologies, including satellite ground systems for commercial operators (LEO constellation operators such as SpaceX Starlink and Amazon Project Kuiper), autonomous vehicle systems for commercial trucking and logistics, and microwave components for commercial aerospace. This revenue stream is growing as the company expands its commercial space and autonomous systems portfolios.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Defense contractor products and services sold via government procurement; pricing not publicly disclosed |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions designs, develops, and manufactures advanced unmanned aerial systems (XQ-58A Valkyrie collaborative combat aircraft, UTAP-22 Mako, Tactical Firejet, BQM-167/BQM-177/MQM-178 Firejet aerial targets), hypersonic vehicles and test infrastructure (Erinyes, Dark Fury, MACH-TB, Project Helios), propulsion systems (Spartan turbojet engines, GEK turbofan engines with GE Aerospace, Oriole and Zeus solid rocket motors), microwave and electronic components for missiles/satellites/EW, and autonomous ground vehicle platooning systems. Its primary customers are the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. military branches, U.S. Space Force, allied foreign governments, and defense prime contractors, with a smaller dual-use commercial revenue stream from satellite ground systems and autonomous trucking.
Product overview
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is a defense technology company offering a comprehensive portfolio of unmanned aerial systems, propulsion technologies, hypersonic systems, and related subsystems. The product portfolio centers on the XQ-58A Valkyrie Collaborative Combat Aircraft, complemented by tactical platforms (Mako, Tactical Firejet), aerial targets (BQM-167, BQM-177, MQM-178 Firejet), and engine systems (Spartan turbojet family, GEK turbofan family developed with GE Aerospace). Propulsion offerings include Oriole and Zeus solid rocket motors, while hypersonic capabilities feature Erinyes and Dark Fury hypersonic flyers. The company also provides autonomous ground vehicle systems for platooning applications, advanced avionics and mission systems, and hypersonic test and evaluation services. This integrated approach enables delivery of complete mission solutions from targets and drones to propulsion and ground support systems.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- KratosSpace: Space systems division focusing on virtualized ground systems and software-defined space networks
- KratosCyber
- Kratos Training
Products and services
- XQ-58A Valkyrie Stealthy, multi-mission Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)/Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) for U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and allied air forces. Designed for wingman operations with manned aircraft (F-35, F-22, F-15EX, F-18), autonomous team operations, or solo missions. Range up to 3,000 nautical miles, speed up to 0.86 Mach, altitude 45,000 ft, 6g+ maneuvering, internal bomb bay, mid-wing and wingtip hardpoints, priced in the ~$10M range.
- UTAP-22 Mako High-speed, highly maneuverable unmanned aerial system with open mission-system flexibility and ample payload capacity. Derivative of the proven BQM-167A aerial target, capable of untethered or collaborative operations with manned assets in contested environments for U.S. military and allied air forces.
- Tactical Firejet Low-cost offensive/defensive high-performance UAS for fast ingress and egress of tactically denied battle spaces. Configurable mission systems and payloads enabling significant payload delivery over long ranges at high speed. J85-powered Mk1 variant offers fighter-like performance in the sub-$500,000 price class.
- BQM-167 Aerial Target High-performance jet aerial target system optimized for threat aircraft replication. Capable of 0.91 Mach, 9g maneuvering, 50,000-ft ceiling, 50-ft low-level flight, and up to 645 lb internal payload. Primary aerial target for U.S. Air Force subscale missions.
- BQM-177 Subsonic Aerial Target High-performance jet target for subsonic, sea-skimming anti-ship cruise missile threat emulation. Speeds exceeding 0.95 Mach, sea-skimming altitude as low as 6.6 ft (2 m), 9g maneuvering, 45,000-ft ceiling. U.S. Navy's next-generation Subsonic Aerial Target.
- MQM-178 Firejet Aerial Target Compact, modular carbon-fiber composite jet target pneumatically launched from land or ship, recoverable via parachute. Speed 0.69 Mach, 35,000-ft ceiling, 20-ft low-level flight, 9-12g maneuvering, 70 lb payload. Operates in manual or pre-programmed modes for weapons training and threat-replication missions.
- Spartan Turbojet Engine Family (TDI-J45, J50, J70, J85) Family of small, affordable, military-grade turbojet engines for expendable and attritable unmanned aerial systems, loitering munitions, and tactical missiles. Simple architecture, fuel-cooled bearing lubrication (no oil required), multi-fuel capability (JP4, JP5, JP8, JP10, JET-A, JET-A1), state-of-the-art turbomachinery. Production scaling to thousands of engines annually.
- GEK Turbofan Engine Family Low-cost, high-performance turbofan engines jointly developed with GE Aerospace for cruise missiles, collaborative combat aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. GEK800 designed for expendable cruise missiles and reusable unmanned applications, combining GE Aerospace's high-rate production track record with Kratos' affordability focus.
- Oriole Solid Rocket Motor System Suborbital launch system providing stage propulsion for targets, scientific, and microgravity research payloads. Features optional thrust vectoring nozzle for in-flight control, redundant digital ignition module, and supports sea-level and high-altitude ignition. Celebrating 25 years of flight success across U.S. military and allied programs.
- Zeus Solid Rocket Motors (Zeus 1 and Zeus 2) 32.6-inch solid rocket motors offering improved performance over legacy spin-stabilized sounding rocket motors while maintaining legacy form factors. Zeus 1 used as first/second stage; Zeus 2 as first, second, and/or third stage. Affordable replacements for government surplus motors enabling faster, farther, and more frequent flights for L3Harris hypersonic weapon programs.
- Erinyes Hypersonic Flyer Advanced hypersonic vehicle designed for high-speed, long-range missions using breakthrough propulsion and aerodynamic technologies. State-of-the-art design ensures reliability, maneuverability, and adaptability for U.S. defense and allied hypersonic applications.
- Dark Fury Hypersonic Flyer Hypersonic flyer engineered for extreme velocity and precision rapid strike capabilities, utilizing breakthrough propulsion and aerodynamic technologies. Achieves superior speed and range with robust design ensuring reliability, high maneuverability, and adaptability for critical defense applications.
- X37TA Turbo Alternator High-power-to-weight, low-maintenance, fuel-flexible, quiet, recuperated turbine generator for hybrid electric unmanned aerial systems and expeditionary ground power applications. Features oil-less rotor system with air bearings.
- Autonomous Vehicle Systems / Auto-Platooning Technology Dual-use, field-proven autonomous vehicle systems and auto-platooning technology delivering scalable, retrofit-ready automation for defense and commercial trucking/logistics. Includes V2V communication, advanced compute, GPS, onboard sensors, and modular control systems enabling driverless follower trucks paired with human-driven lead vehicles.
- Aegis Readiness Assessment Vehicle (ARAV) Family Short- and medium-range ballistic missile targets (SRBM/MRBM) that emulate various threats with high tailorability and advanced staging for trajectory flexibility. Includes ARAV Type B, Type C, and Type TTO variants supporting U.S. missile defense test programs.
- Hypersonic Test and Evaluation Services Leading laboratory for complex material testing and analysis from ambient to extreme conditions, providing flight testing up to Mach 20, modeling and simulation, and transient thermal analysis software for hypersonic vehicles. Includes the new Project Helios arc jet facility in Odon, Indiana, expanding domestic aerothermal testing capacity for hypersonic materials and systems.
Quantifiable outcome
- Valkyrie XQ-58A operating alongside F-35s, F-22s, F-15EXs, and F-18s from U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability1 record
Feature13 records
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Elroy AircoreKratos named exclusive U.S. manufacturing partner for Elroy Air's Chaparral autonomous heavy-cargo VTOL drone as part of Elroy Air's $1 billion SPAC merger with Columbus Circle Capital Corp II. Kratos to produce first aircraft by late 2026. Elroy Air has a demand pipeline exceeding 1,400 aircraft and $5 billion in potential revenue. Manufacturing partnership gives Kratos access to autonomous VTOL cargo drone production.
- Barq Groupmajor$200 million joint venture agreement with Barq Group to establish international manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Operations expected to begin in 2027, with local production starting in 2028. Represents Kratos' expansion into Middle Eastern defense manufacturing and regional operations.
- Anadrone Systems LimitedmajorStrategic partnership signed at Eurosatory 2026 to jointly pursue opportunities in India's unmanned and autonomous systems market. Combines Kratos' global expertise in tactical UAS and aerial target platforms with Anadrone's indigenous development, manufacturing, and operational capabilities within India. Aims to support India's defense modernization and Atmanirbhar Bharat self-reliance vision.
- GE AerospacecoreJoint development and production of the GEK family of small, low-cost, high-performance turbofan engines for cruise missiles, collaborative combat aircraft, and UAVs. GEK800 successfully completed altitude testing. Combines GE Aerospace's proven high-rate production track record with Kratos' culture of affordability. Also teamed on U.S. Air Force contract to design engine for expendable combat collaborative aircraft.
- Northrop GrummancoreNorthrop Grumman selected Kratos' XQ-58A Valkyrie as the platform for U.S. Marine Corps' MUX/TACAIR Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. $231.5 million Marine Corps contract. Kratos provides the air vehicle platform while Northrop Grumman provides mission systems and integration. Strategic teaming positions Kratos Valkyrie for program-of-record production.
- Airbus Defence and SpacemajorAirbus partnering with Kratos to deploy its German mission system (MARS) on the XQ-58A Valkyrie for the German Air Force, with operational capability targeted for 2029. Positions Kratos as the platform provider for European collaborative combat aircraft development.
- L3Harris TechnologiesmajorKratos issued letter of intent to L3Harris for 60 full-rate production Zeus hypersonic system rocket motors. Zeus SRMs provide propulsion for L3Harris hypersonic weapon programs. Represents significant production contract for Kratos' solid rocket motor business.
- Airbus Defence and Space (European UCCA)minorAirbus developing a separate European UCCA (Uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft) in a higher weight class to address more sophisticated European operational requirements. Airbus leveraging Kratos' XQ-58A as a reference/starting point.
Scale indicators16 records
Recent moves12 records
Expansion highlights8 records
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Northrop Grumman: Largest defense prime and Kratos' most strategic partner and direct competitor. Northrop Grumman leads the U.S. Air Force CCA program of record, with Kratos as its air vehicle platform provider for Marine Corps CCA. Both companies compete for the same autonomous combat aircraft dollars.
- General Atomics: Competing CCA platform provider with the XQ-67A, directly challenging Kratos' Valkyrie for the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. General Atomics has legacy dominance in unmanned combat aerial systems through the MQ-9 Reaper franchise and comparable military-grade UAS manufacturing capabilities.
- Anduril Industries: Emerging direct competitor in autonomous CCA, counter-UAS, and AI-enabled defense systems. Anduril is competing for the same U.S. Air Force CCA program with its own design and has rapidly scaled its own propulsion, autonomy, and manufacturing capabilities, representing a well-funded threat to Kratos' core UAS franchise.
- AeroVironment: Tactical UAS competitor focused on small unmanned systems (Switchblade loitering munitions, Puma, Raven). AeroVironment competes in the attritable, low-cost tactical UAS category that Kratos targets with Tactical Firejet and Spartan-powered systems.
Broad incumbents
- Lockheed Martin: Largest U.S. defense prime competing for hypersonic weapons, missile defense, propulsion, and CCA programs. While not a direct UAS competitor at the Valkyrie price point, Lockheed's portfolio overlap includes solid rocket motors, hypersonic strike systems, and military avionics — areas where Kratos also operates.
- L3Harris Technologies: Tier-1 defense prime that is both a Kratos customer (Zeus solid rocket motor production LOI) and competitor in space systems, electronic warfare, and C5ISR. L3Harris is a direct competitor in microwave/electronic components and satellite ground systems.
- RTX Corporation (Raytheon): Major defense prime competing across missile systems, hypersonic weapons, propulsion, and space electronics. RTX's Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Collins Aerospace segments overlap with Kratos' missile subsystems, solid rocket motors, and microwave electronics businesses.
Emerging players
- Shield AI: AI-enabled autonomous UAS company competing in tactical and CCA markets. Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy stack and V-BAT platforms represent direct competition in autonomous unmanned systems where Kratos' Valkyrie and Mako operate.
Regional players
- Elbit Systems: Israeli defense electronics and UAS manufacturer with comparable product portfolio in tactical UAS, electronic warfare, and avionics. While primarily serving Israeli and international markets, Elbit competes with Kratos' microwave electronics and tactical UAS offerings in FMS and allied procurement channels.
Others
- GE Aerospace: Joint development partner and supplier of high-rate aerospace production. GE Aerospace co-develops the GEK turbofan engine family with Kratos for cruise missiles and CCAs, providing the production scale and engine technology backbone for Kratos' propulsion products.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat7 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions social profiles
Digital presenceKratos Defense and Security Solutions compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles19 records
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries16 records
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds6 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A10 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
What does Kratos Defense and Security Solutions do?
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions designs, develops, and manufactures advanced unmanned aerial systems (XQ-58A Valkyrie collaborative combat aircraft, UTAP-22 Mako, Tactical Firejet, BQM-167/BQM-177/MQM-178 Firejet aerial targets), hypersonic vehicles and test infrastructure (Erinyes, Dark Fury, MACH-TB, Project Helios), propulsion systems (Spartan turbojet engines, GEK turbofan engines with GE Aerospace, Oriole and Zeus solid rocket motors), microwave and electronic components for missiles/satellites/EW, and autonomous ground vehicle platooning systems. Its primary customers are the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. military branches, U.S. Space Force, allied foreign governments, and defense prime contractors, with a smaller dual-use commercial revenue stream from satellite ground systems and autonomous trucking.
Is Kratos Defense and Security Solutions a public or private company?
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Kratos Defense and Security Solutions founded?
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions was founded in 1994. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Kratos Defense and Security Solutions based?
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is headquartered in San Diego, United States, in the North America region.
How does Kratos Defense and Security Solutions make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Government Defense Contracts are the primary driver. The others are commercial / Non-Defense Revenue.
Who are Kratos Defense and Security Solutions's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, Anduril Industries and AeroVironment. Broad incumbents are Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies and RTX Corporation (Raytheon). Shield AI is listed as an emerging player. Elbit Systems is listed as a regional player. GE Aerospace is listed as an others.
Does Kratos Defense and Security Solutions have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kratos Defense and Security Solutions.
What industry is Kratos Defense and Security Solutions in?
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions's product category is Defense Manufacturing and Defense Technology Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAMAC, Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms, with a secondary code of IMABAMAD, Military Aerospace Engines & Propulsion. Its NAICS code is 336414 and its SIC code is 3760.