What's Happening?
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. has been selected by Elroy Air as the exclusive U.S. manufacturing partner for the Chaparral VTOL cargo drone. This five-year strategic manufacturing agreement aims to accelerate high-volume production of the Chaparral, a hybrid-electric autonomous drone designed for middle-mile logistics and military resupply. Kratos, known for its expertise in producing affordable unmanned aircraft, will leverage its expanded manufacturing capacity to support the production of the Chaparral. The drone is capable of autonomously transporting up to 300 pounds of cargo over 300 miles, bridging logistics gaps for military resupply, disaster relief, and commercial delivery.
Why It's Important?
The partnership between Kratos and Elroy Air is significant as it positions Kratos as a key player in the growing market for autonomous aerial cargo systems. The Chaparral drone's ability to transport cargo over long distances autonomously offers potential benefits for military logistics, disaster response, and commercial delivery sectors. Kratos' established manufacturing capabilities and supply chain infrastructure provide a competitive advantage in scaling production to meet the increasing demand for such systems. This collaboration also highlights the expanding role of unmanned aerial vehicles in logistics and defense applications.
What's Next?
Kratos will begin initial production of the Chaparral at its Sacramento facility, transitioning to high-rate production at its Oklahoma City facilities over time. The first production units are expected to be built in 2026, bringing aerospace jobs to both regions and expanding the supply chain infrastructure. Kratos and Elroy Air will showcase their unmanned aircraft systems at the upcoming Miramar Air Show in San Diego, California, further promoting the Chaparral's capabilities to potential customers.
