The US Air Force has granted a $21.7-million contract to Kratos Defense & Security Solutions for the production of advanced aerial target drones, specifically the BQM-167A model.
Over the span of five years, Kratos will deliver 17 BQM-167A systems to the service as part of the Lot 19 Air Force Subscale Aerial Targets (AFSAT) procurement effort.
In addition to the drones themselves, the contract will cover associated flight consumables, mission kits, and technical data.
This initiative follows an initial $338-million contract awarded to Kratos for producing AFSAT Lots 17 to 21 and spare equipment.
The agreement includes provisions for out-of-warranty repairs and logistical support for the BQM-167As.
If all options are exercised, the maximum production quantity value for AFSAT could reach $374 million.
Four BQM-167s are strategically positioned towards the Gulf of Mexico. Photo: Sara Vidoni/US Air Force
Manufacturing for the ongoing BQM-167A supply will be carried out at Kratos’ manufacturing site.
“Kratos’ affordable target systems provide an incredible high-performance-to-cost ratio and key, high-performance and threat-representative capabilities to support USAF training and test needs,” stated Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems.
“We have shared a great partnership and team approach with the USAF throughout our nearly 20 years of working together on target systems.”
“Kratos is excited that our system maturity warrants and enables the long-term contract and proud that the Air Force has this confidence in our target systems and personnel.”
