US Marine Corps Taps Northrop Grumman and Kratos for Valkyrie Drone Wingmen
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II fly in formation with the XQ-58A Valkyrie low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle over the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground testing range, Ariz., during a series of tests Dec. 9, 2020. [U.S. Air Force]
Jan. 12, 2026
The U.S. Marine Corps has awarded a $231.5 million Other Transaction Agreement to Northrop Grumman and Kratos Defense to develop autonomous drone wingmen under the MUX TACAIR CCA program.
The 24-month contract focuses on delivering uncrewed aircraft that can operate alongside manned platforms such as the F-35.
Northrop Grumman will lead as the prime contractor, providing autonomy software and mission systems, while Kratos will supply its XQ-58A Valkyrie drone platform. The Valkyrie features modular payload bays and conventional takeoff and landing capabilities, supporting various mission roles including strike, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance.
This effort marks the Marine Corps’ first operational loyal wingman drone program. The teams will prototype a missionized system designed for rapid fielding and integration into existing aviation operations. The OTA structure is intended to accelerate development beyond traditional acquisition timelines.
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