The US Navy will receive $15.5 million worth of XQ-58A Valkyrie combat drones
The United States Navy will receive Kratos combat drones this year.
Information appeared on the website of the US Ministry of Defense about the allocation of $15.5 million to Kratos Defense & Security Solutions for the supply of two XQ-58A Valkyrie drones. The work under the contract should be completed by September 2023.
The agreement provides for system integration, testing and maintenance of unmanned aerial vehicles. The drones will be equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems to perform various missions.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie was developed as a low-cost technology demonstrator with strike capabilities at the request of the US Air Force. The drone has a length of 9 meters, a wingspan of 6.7 meters, a radius of action of almost 4 km and a maximum speed of Mach 0.85 (1050 km/h).
Eight suspension points are provided for weapons. The XQ-58A Valkyrie can carry the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and GBU-39 smart bombs.
