Northrop Grumman has been selected to provide the US Marine Corps (USMC) with a new generation of uncrewed expeditionary tactical aircraft under the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft (MUX TACAIR) Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme.
The company will lead development and rapid delivery of uncrewed platforms intended to operate in coordination with manned fighter jets for air dominance roles.
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The project draws on Northrop Grumman’s expertise in autonomous and uncrewed systems, combined with Kratos Defense and Security Solutions’ Valkyrie uncrewed aerial system.
The collaboration aims to enhance operational effectiveness in high-threat environments by integrating crewed and uncrewed aerial assets.
Central to Northrop Grumman’s offering is an advanced mission kit that incorporates sensors and software-defined technology designed specifically for autonomous aircraft.
This mission kit is structured to support multiple operational roles, including both kinetic and non-kinetic effects.
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By GlobalDataThe company will implement its Prism open architecture autonomy software to manage missions autonomously across the new aircraft platforms.
Kratos’ Valkyrie system will augment the programme with conventional take-off and landing capability, a modular airframe, and adaptable payload bays.
Northrop Grumman advanced mission capabilities vice president Krys Moen said: “Northrop Grumman remains at the forefront of advanced sensing capabilities, delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of the warfighter with unmatched speed and reliability. This enhanced capability set ensures optimal performance for both crewed and uncrewed platforms.”
Northrop Grumman has adapted its sensors and mission systems for use on uncrewed platforms.
Working with Kratos and other partners, the company developed a CCA that incorporates survivability, connectivity, lethality, and supportability features.
The team has conducted more than 20 flight demonstrations in relevant environments to support the US Marine Corps’ MUX TACAIR mission requirements.
In December 2024, USMC contracted Northrop Grumman to integrate Advanced Tactical Data Links (ATDL) into LITENING electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) targeting pods on F/A-18 aircraft.
