Northrop Grumman has emerged as the winner of the MUX TACAIR program, which is set to transform the air power of the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The new system, to be developed based on Kratos’ XQ-58A Valkyrie platform, will become one of the strongest representatives of the “Collaborative Combat Aircraft” (CCA) concept.
Northrop Grumman and Kratos Defense have entered into a strategic partnership for the future air operations of the U.S. Marine Corps. Under the Marines’ MUX TACAIR project, Northrop Grumman will deliver a next-generation solution by leveraging the low-cost, high-performance XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned aerial system.
What Is a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)?
A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) is a low-cost unmanned jet platform with autonomous capabilities that operates in full integration with fifth- and sixth-generation manned fighter aircraft (such as the F-35 and NGAD).
These next-generation platforms are poised to reshape the modern battlefield with their multi-role mission capabilities. With advanced electronic warfare functions capable of neutralizing enemy radar and communications systems, these aircraft can penetrate high-threat areas ahead of manned platforms to collect critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data. At the same time, equipped with onboard munitions, these unmanned systems can conduct direct kinetic strikes against targets. While reducing the operational burden on fifth-generation jets like the F-35, they are also optimized to minimize the life-threatening risks faced by pilots.
Strong Integration with Valkyrie and Prism Autonomy
In this project, Northrop Grumman is combining Kratos’ proven hardware with its own software expertise. The system to be developed features three main components:
- Advanced Mission Kit: Northrop Grumman’s cost-effective sensors and software-defined technologies transform the aircraft into a combat-ready asset.
- Prism Autonomy Software: Featuring an open architecture, this software enables the aircraft to manage complex operations without human intervention.
- Kratos Valkyrie Platform: With runway independence, a modular airframe, and customizable payload bays, it adapts to all types of deployment environments.
Low Risk, High Speed
Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems, emphasized that Valkyrie delivers high capability at an affordable price point, enabling large numbers of aircraft to be deployed simultaneously. More than 20 successful flight demonstrations conducted in operational environments to date prove that the Northrop Grumman–Kratos partnership offers the lowest-risk and fastest solution for the Marine Corps.
Northrop Grumman Vice President Krys Moen, in a statement on the matter, said, “With our advanced sensing capabilities, we are meeting the warfighter’s needs with unmatched speed and reliability.” This collaboration ushers in a new era in which unmanned systems evolve beyond being mere “observation tools” and become core elements of air combat.
Source: C4Defence / Northrop Grumman
