$6.5m for one drone - Kratos reveals cost of upgraded XQ-58A Valkyrie stealth drone

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has upgraded the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone and announced the cost of the new version. But the drones will get cheaper as production ramps up.

Here's What We Know

The XQ-58A Valkyrie strike drone cost $6.5 million, CEO and president of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Eric DeMarco said during an investor conference call last quarter.

According to DeMarco, the company's drones are "the most capable and affordable in their class". The $6.5m figure is based on current small-scale production, although Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has the capacity to produce up to 150 jet drones annually. The company said last year it would cost $4m to produce 50 drones a year and had earlier promised to bring the cost below $2m if it produced 100 per year.

Eric DeMarco said Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is finishing production of its first batch of 12 Block 1 level drones at its Oklahoma City plant. At the same time, the company has already begun work on the second batch, which consists of 12 Block 2 level drones. At least three prototypes were also built for the US Air Force, one of which went to a museum.

The XQ-58A Valkyrie Block 2 can fly longer sorties and climb higher than Block 1 drones. Payload capacity has also been increased. In addition, the head of the company announced even more changes to Block 2B, but details have not yet been specified.

The US Air Force is actively testing the drone, including to work with fifth generation fighters F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. For example, the Valkyrie is used as a high-level data transfer protocol between the two aircraft.

In addition, the XA-58A can be used to launch smaller drones and bomber munitions. For example, the ALTIUS-600, as pictured above.

Source: The War Zone