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Northrop Grumman and Kratos team up to develop US Marine Corps CCA

9th January 2026 - 13:14 GMT | by Lucy Powell in London, UK

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Kratos’ XQ-58 Valkyrie UAS has been flown by the USMC. (Photo: US Marine Corps)

Northrop Grumman will provide the autonomy software for the USMC loyal wingman, which will be integrated into Kratos’ XQ-58 Valkyrie uncrewed aerial system.

Northrop Grumman and Kratos Defense will work together to deliver drone loyal wingmen for the US Marine Corps (USMC) under its Marine Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft (MUX TACAIR) programme.

The award, with an initial value of US$231 million, will combine Northrop’s autonomous uncrewed capabilities and mission system expertise with Kratos’ Valkyrie uncrewed aerial system (UAS) to work alongside crewed fighter aircraft.

The selection of the XQ-58A Valkyrie as the USMC’s first CCA was first announced in August 2025.

Steve Fendley, president Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, said: “The integration of the Kratos Valkyrie aircraft system configured with the

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