Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has been chosen by Elroy Air as its exclusive U.S. manufacturing partner for the Chaparral cargo drone. The five-year agreement will accelerate high-volume production of the hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing system, designed for both military resupply and commercial logistics.

“Elroy Air CEO Andrew Clare says: “Kratos is an established and trusted producer of military UAS and is unique in their manufacturing focus on affordability. Kratos has produced and delivered thousands of uncrewed aircraft, with a well-established and reliable supply chain for these systems. Their expanded production capabilities make them the ideal partner to bring Chaparral to market at scale.”

Kratos, which recently expanded its capacity to produce advanced drones for the U.S. Department of Defense, will begin Chaparral production in Sacramento, California, later transitioning to Oklahoma City. The first production aircraft are planned for 2026.

Kratos CEO Eric DeMarco says: “Kratos is the recognized industry leader for rapid development, production, and delivery of affordable, leading technology unmanned aerial drone systems, which is a perfect fit with Elroy Air’s UAV roadmap, incredibly large forecasted addressable market and related future high volume production plans, including for the U.S. military.”

Steve Fendley, president of Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division, says: “Elroy Air’s market opportunity for Chaparral is already large and continuing to grow. With this growth, Kratos is ideally suited to transition the system to production.”

Chaparral can transport up to 300 pounds of cargo over 300 miles. Its hybrid-electric system supports rapid refuelling and longer ranges than similar electric aircraft. Kratos expects the programme to bring aerospace jobs to California and Oklahoma, with a supply chain spanning multiple states.

Both companies will display their systems at the Miramar Air Show in San Diego from 26 to 28 September.