Northrop Grumman has been competitively awarded the U.S. Marine Corps’ Marine Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft (MUX TACAIR) Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) contract. This award combines Northrop Grumman’s uncrewed capabilities and autonomous leadership with Kratos’ Valkyrie uncrewed aerial system to work alongside crewed fighters, providing air dominance in high-threat environments.
Northrop Grumman will rapidly develop and deliver platforms featuring three key components. First, an Advanced Mission Kit—a cost-effective suite inclusive of sensors and software-defined technologies designed specifically for uncrewed aircraft—capable of performing kinetic and non-kinetic effects. Second, Prism, Northrop Grumman’s open architecture autonomy software package that will manage autonomous aircraft operations. Third, the Valkyrie Uncrewed Aerial System from Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, fully equipped for conventional takeoff and landing, enhanced runway flexibility, and customizable payload bays.
Krys Moen, vice president of advanced mission capabilities at Northrop Grumman, stated that the company remains at the forefront of advanced sensing capabilities, delivering innovative solutions that meet warfighter needs with unmatched speed and reliability. She added that this enhanced capability set ensures optimal performance for both crewed and uncrewed platforms.
Steve Fendley, president of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, noted that integrating the Kratos Valkyrie aircraft system with Northrop Grumman’s world-class multifunction mission systems results in a high-capability CCA at a price point that enables uncrewed systems to be deployed en masse alongside crewed aircraft.
