Kratos Defense & Security Solutions

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions

Kratos was launched in the 1990s as a defense contractor and has since grown into a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: KTOS) focused on rapid, cost-effective military systems. It operates across five primary divisions: Space, Unmanned Systems, Hypersonics, Propulsion & Power, and Microwave Electronics. The firm describes itself as an internally funded developer that uses proven, leading-edge technology to reduce cost and schedule risk. Kratos invests internally in R&D and production to field platforms like the XQ-58 Valkyrie unmanned combat air vehicle, the Erinyes hypersonic vehicle, and OpenSpace virtualized satellite ground systems. Its product lines span jet-powered drones, solid rocket motors, missile launchers, and space domain awareness software. The company serves the U.S. Department of Defense, Space Force, and allied nations. Geographically, its primary markets are North America and Asia Pacific. Kratos has not publicly disclosed total assets under management, team size, or additional office locations beyond San Diego. A May 2024 announcement highlighted Kratos’ OpenSpace platform being used in BlueHalo’s milestone demonstration for the U.S. Space Force SCAR program, a $1.4B satellite communications augmentation effort (per GlobeNewswire, May 2024). In May 2026, Kratos reported first-quarter 2026 financial results and raised fiscal year 2026 guidance. Kratos is structurally distinct from prime defense contractors: it funds its own product development internally rather than relying solely on government contracts, aiming to deliver MilSpec systems on shorter timelines. The company positions itself as a disruptive alternative to larger, slower prime integrators, vertically integrating design and manufacturing to control supply chains and reduce costs.