What Kratos does

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., trades on NASDAQ under ticker KTOS and is a U.S. defense and space technology company founded in 1994. The firm operates a platform-plus-products architecture across three principal domains: unmanned aerial systems (notably the XQ-58 Valkyrie Collaborative Combat Aircraft and the BQM-177A subsonic aerial target), space/missile-defense infrastructure (missile warning tracking for the U.S. Space Force and satellite control software / virtual ground systems validated with Airbus OneSat), and communication/RF systems (automated spectrum management, millimeter wave, and tactical communications brought in through 2026 acquisitions of Orbit Technologies, Nomad Global Communication Solutions, and Norden Millimeter). Co-development with GE Aerospace on the GEK1500 next-generation CCA engine and integration of Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy stack indicate a deliberate strategy of pairing proprietary airframes/ground software with best-of-breed partners.

The business model is concentrated enterprise/government sales to the U.S. Department of Defense. All named end-customers are U.S. military branches (Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force) or the Pentagon, accessed via direct defense procurement channels and enterprise field sales. Revenue is generated principally through multi-year government contracts for hardware and integrated systems — $447 million for Space Force missile warning tracking, up to $175 million for Pentagon advanced military technology, $12.4 million for the Air Force GEK1500 — supplemented by ongoing product sustainment and integration services. Q1 2026 revenue was $371 million alongside a $1.38 billion equity raise and three acquisitions in the same quarter, indicating a deployment-heavy growth posture funded by public equity rather than operating cash flow.

Kratos operates primarily in the United States with disclosed activity in Southeast Asia (Singapore), suggesting modest export expansion underway. Notable operational signals include a 156% stock rally since June 2025 tied to contract wins, leadership under President and CEO Brad Martin, and a subsidiary structure anchored by the three Q1 2026 acquired brands. Pricing is not publicly disclosed, defense-procurement terms are confidential, and revenue mix is heavily weighted toward hardware rather than SaaS.

Name

Kratos

Legal name

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.

Website

https://kratosbp.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is a U.S. public defense and space technology company (NASDAQ: KTOS) that designs unmanned aerial systems, satellite ground-segment software, and missile warning tracking infrastructure for the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Pentagon through direct defense procurement contracts and partner-integrated autonomy/propulsion technology.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Unmanned Systems and Satellite Ground Technology

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms (IMABAMAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Radar Systems & Subsystems (Airborne, Ground, Naval) (IMABAGAA), Autonomous Flight Control & Guidance Systems (UAS/Urban Air Mobility) (IMABAFAO), UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure (IMABAIAL), Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE)

Keywords

• Unmanned aerial systems
• Defense technology solutions
• Satellite ground systems
• Missile warning tracking
• Collaborative combat aircraft

Headquarters

HQ city

Farmers Branch

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Defense Hardware Sales: Sale of military hardware including unmanned aerial systems (drones), targets, and related defense equipment to U.S. military branches through government procurement contracts.
2. Government Defense Contracts: Large-scale government contracts for missile warning tracking systems, satellite ground systems, and advanced military technology development.
3. Acquisitions Integration: Revenue from acquired companies including Orbit Technologies Ltd., Nomad Global Communication Solutions, and Norden Millimeter Inc. expanding capabilities in communication solutions and millimeter wave technology.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels1 record

Core offering

Kratos designs, manufactures, and integrates unmanned aerial systems (collaborative combat aircraft, subsonic aerial targets, small UAS, loitering munitions, long-range kamikaze drones) and satellite ground segment solutions (control software, virtual ground systems) for U.S. military and government customers. The company also provides missile warning tracking systems, communication solutions, millimeter wave technology, and automated RF spectrum management systems under direct defense contracts.

Product overview

Kratos is a defense and space technology company with a diversified portfolio spanning unmanned aerial systems (UAS), satellite ground segment solutions, missile warning tracking, and communication systems. The company operates as a platform-plus-products architecture, with core offerings including the XQ-58 Valkyrie and BQM-177A drones for collaborative combat aircraft programs, satellite control software for spacecraft command and control, and missile warning tracking systems. Recent strategic acquisitions of Orbit Technologies Ltd., Nomad Global Communication Solutions, and Norden Millimeter Inc. have expanded capabilities in satellite technology, communication solutions, and millimeter wave systems. The company also participates in the Drone Dominance Program (Gauntlet) for small attack drones and develops long-range kamikaze drones as part of its unmanned systems portfolio.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• XQ-58 Valkyrie

Quantifiable outcome

• Revenue of $371 million for Q1 2026 quarter
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Orbit Technologies Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 March 2026Acquired during Q1 2026 as part of Kratos' expansion of unmanned systems and communication technology capabilities. The acquisition contributes to the company's integrated defense technology portfolio.
• Nomad Global Communication SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 March 2026Acquired during Q1 2026 to strengthen Kratos' global communication solutions capabilities. The acquisition expands the company's offerings in tactical and strategic communication systems.
• Norden Millimeter Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 March 2026Acquired during Q1 2026 to enhance Kratos' millimeter wave technology capabilities for defense applications including radar and communication systems.
• GE AerospaceflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 March 2026Jointly awarded $12.4 million U.S. Air Force contract for preliminary design of the GEK1500 next-generation Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) engine. This partnership combines GE Aerospace's engine expertise with Kratos' unmanned aircraft platform capabilities.
• Northrop GrummanflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorthrop Grumman contracted to lead development of Marine Corps MUX TACAIR program using Kratos' XQ-58 Valkyrie platform. Northrop leads system integration while Kratos provides the core aircraft platform.
• Shield AIcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Shield AI for autonomous flight capabilities using Hivemind autonomy software integrated into Kratos BQM-177A subsonic aerial targets for Navy flight demonstrations.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• AeroVironment: Manufacturer of small UAS (Switchblade loitering munitions, Puma, Raven). Directly comparable to Kratos on attritable/sUAS product lines and Pentagon loitering munitions procurement budgets.
• General Atomics Aeronautical Systems: Manufacturer of the MQ-9 Reaper and a key CCA competitor. Directly comparable to Kratos as a UAS prime serving U.S. Air Force, Navy, and allied militaries on combat and surveillance unmanned platforms.
• CACI International: Defense technology and satellite ground systems provider with direct overlap to Kratos' satellite ground segment, virtual ground, and DoD RF/spectrum capabilities, particularly in classified and space programs.

Emerging players

• Shield AI: Autonomy software and UAS platform company (Hivemind, V-BAT). Comparable to Kratos as both a partner (Hivemind on BQM-177A) and emerging competitor in autonomous attritable UAS and CCA categories.
• Anduril Industries: A high-growth, venture-backed defense technology company building autonomous UAS, CCA-class platforms, and software-defined defense systems. Directly comparable to Kratos on attritable CCA architecture, autonomy, and direct-to-DoD commercial contracting.

Broad incumbents

• Northrop Grumman: Aerospace and defense prime; leads MUX TACAIR integration using Kratos' XQ-58 Valkyrie. Comparable as a CCA integrator and broader UAS/battle-management prime whose decisions shape Kratos' flagship platform opportunity.
• Lockheed Martin: Largest U.S. defense prime with competing CCA concepts (e.g., Increment 1 CCA airframe), missile warning/sensor capabilities, and space ground systems. Comparable as a broad incumbent competing for the same DoD and Space Force wallet share.
• RTX (Raytheon Technologies): Defense prime with major missile warning/space sensing and satellite ground franchises. Comparable to Kratos' Space Force missile warning tracking business and broader missile-defense sensor portfolio.
• L3Harris Technologies: Defense electronics and satellite ground systems prime. Comparable to Kratos on satellite command/control ground segments, RF/spectrum technologies, and integration into DoD space programs.
• Boeing: Aerospace prime developing CCA concepts (MQ-28 Ghost Bat) and integrated space/ground systems. Comparable as a broad incumbent competing for autonomous CCA, satellite ground, and missile-tracking programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kratos