BQM-177A Subsonic Aerial Target (SSAT) . Credit: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions’ Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS) has won a $50m sole source contract for the acquisition of 65 BQM-177A subsonic aerial targets (SSATs).

KUAS received a contract modification (P00007) to an earlier firm-fixed-price contract.

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This latest modification contract exercises an option to acquire nearly 50 BQM-177A subsonic aerial target systems for the US Navy, seven for Japan, and eight for the Saudi Arabian government.

The contract scope  also covers related technical and administrative data in support of full rate production (FRP) lot three.

Naval Air Systems Command, (NAVAIR) Patuxent River, in the US state of Maryland, is managing the contracting activity.

Kratos Unmanned Systems division president Steve Fendley said: “The Kratos team is incredibly proud to receive this third consecutive full rate production option award supporting our US Navy customer.

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“We are also excited that 15 of these drone aircraft will support the US Government’s foreign allies.

“Throughout the challenges of the last two years, Kratos has remained focused on developing, producing, and delivering target and tactical drone systems to support the established and forecasted customer needs.”

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is a developer of platforms, systems, and technology for US National Security associated customers, partners, and other commercial enterprises.

In July this year, US Navy contracted Kratos Defense & Security Solutions’ Defense & Rocket Support Services (DRSS) division for the development of hypersonic experimental test vehicle.

In February 2019, BQM-177A achieved initial operational capability and started land-based operations in Point Mugu, California.

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