Marine Corps picks industry team to create a robot wingman of its own

Northrop will integrate systems on Kratos’ XQ-58 Valkyrie drone.

The Marine Corps has selected Northrop Grumman and Kratos to develop its forthcoming Marine Corps Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft (MUX TACAIR) Collaborative Combat Aircraft, an unmanned wingman that will fly alongside manned fighter jets.

Northrop will develop a mission kit and open-architecture software for Kratos’s existing VX-58 Valkyrie, according to a joint Thursday press release.

“With more than 20 successful flight demonstrations in operationally relevant environments, Northrop Grumman and Kratos are offering the U.S. Marine Corps a low risk, expedited path to MUX TACAIR mission capability and persistent joint crewed and uncrewed expeditionary operations,” the release said.

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