The U.S. Navy will receive $15.5 million worth of XQ-58A Valkyrie combat drones

The U.S. Navy will receive Kratos combat drones this year.

Here's What We Know

The U.S. Department of Defense has posted on its website that Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has been awarded $15.5 million to supply two XQ-58A Valkyrie drones. Work on the contract must be completed by September 2023.

The agreement involves providing systems integration, testing and maintenance for the drones. The drones will be equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems for a variety of missions.

The XQ-58A Valkyrie was developed as a low-cost technology demonstrator with strike capability at the request of the U.S. Air Force. The drone is 9 meters long, has a 6.7 meter wingspan, a range of nearly 4 kilometers, and a top speed of Mach 0.85 (1050 km/h).

There are eight points of suspension for weapons. The XQ-58A Valkyrie can carry Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and GBU-39 smart bombs.

Source: Pentagon