RESTON, Va., Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — V2X, Inc. (NYSE: VVX) has been awarded an $87 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to enhance the performance, longevity, and mission readiness of SUU-79 pylons supporting F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft operated by the United States Navy.
The SUU-79 pylons are critical sub-systems mounted beneath the aircraft wing, enabling the carriage and deployment of weapons, missiles, and other mission-essential stores. These components play a vital role in ensuring full mission lethality and operational effectiveness across a range of combat and support missions. V2X has supported sustainment of these Navy aircraft’s systems, including pylons, since the first F/A-18 aircraft entered into service in the 1980s.
Through this contract, V2X will sustain and modernize mission-critical capabilities by overhauling this key aircraft component for frontline naval aviation operations. By applying advanced repair techniques and lifecycle sustainment expertise, V2X helps extend the operational relevance of these platforms to ensure continued alignment with evolving mission requirements.
“This award reflects our continued commitment to delivering mission-critical sustainment solutions that ensure operational readiness for our naval forces,” said Jeremy C. Wensginer, President and Chief Executive Officer at V2X. “These pylons are actively supporting missions today, and our work ensures they remain ready, reliable, and capable of enabling full-spectrum combat operations whenever and wherever they are needed. This is yet another example of supporting the modernization of critical aviation systems.”
Under the contract, all work will be performed in Indianapolis, Indiana, with completion expected by January 2030.
About V2X V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission’s lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,000 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting right technologies including AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today’s toughest challenges across all operational domains and maintain relevancy for the evolving mission parameters.
Investor Contact Mike Smith, CFA Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations [email protected] 719-637-5773
Media Contact Angelica Spanos Deoudes Senior Director, Marketing and Communications [email protected] 571-338-5195
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Overview. Kratos’ second quarter results reflect strong execution by the Company, in our view. The Company’s strategy, including making internally funded investments to be first-to-market with relevant hardware and software that is engineered up front for affordable mass production at scale and is aligned with the Department of War’s priorities, continues to resonate, in our view.
2Q26 Results. Revenues for the second quarter were $458.8 million, above management’s guide of $400 million-$410 million. We were at $405 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $38.2 million, above the high end of the estimated range of $30 million-$35 million, reflecting the increased revenue and revenue mix. We had forecast $33 million. GAAP net income for 2Q26 was $4.4 million, and GAAP EPS was $0.02, compared to $2.9 million and $0.02, respectively, for 2Q25. Adjusted EPS was $0.21 for 2Q26, compared to $0.11 for 2Q25.
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This Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Palantir ripped more than 27% higher Tuesday after a blowout quarter — but if you invest in small and micro caps, the move itself isn’t your story. The story is what it says about every AI software name that got left for dead earlier this year.
First, the numbers, because they’re staggering. Palantir grew total revenue 93% year over year in Q2, with US commercial revenue up a frankly absurd 149%. It lifted full-year guidance to 82% growth and posted $1.05 billion in adjusted net income. This is a company that only turned sustainably profitable in late 2023 and has done nothing but accelerate since. The stock has run from roughly $25 to north of $150 in two years. On Tuesday, Deutsche Bank piled on, upgrading it to Buy with a $200 target and arguing Palantir is years ahead of the rest of software at turning AI hype into paying customers.
Fair enough. But here’s the part worth your attention.
For the first half of this year, AI was a threat to software stocks, not a tailwind. The fear was simple: if anyone can spin up an AI-coded tool, why pay for enterprise software at all? That panic hammered names like Salesforce and gutted valuations across the sector — small caps most of all, because they always get sold first and hardest. Palantir just punched a hole in that thesis. It showed, with real revenue, that AI demand can be additive to a data-software business rather than a wrecking ball.
That narrative shift is the read-through. When the market decides it wrongly wrote off a whole sector, the re-rating doesn’t stop at the $380 billion leader — it flows down to the smaller, cheaper names that got dumped indiscriminately. The AI software companies with real revenue traction, a defensible niche, and a visible path to profits are the ones that benefit when sentiment flips.
Which fires up the game every small-cap investor loves and should be careful with: the hunt for the “next Palantir.” Be skeptical here. For every genuine small-cap building durable AI-driven software, there are ten with a buzzword-stuffed deck and no customers. The tell isn’t the pitch — it’s accelerating revenue, expanding margins, and a specific vertical or government niche the company actually owns. That’s what Palantir had before Wall Street noticed. Look for that same shape lower down the market-cap ladder.
One caveat you shouldn’t skip: don’t confuse the signal with the stock. Palantir trades at a valuation that assumes years of flawless execution — analysts flagged a growth-plus-margin profile far beyond the usual “Rule of 40” benchmark, which is remarkable, but it’s priced for perfection. For small-cap hunters, the play isn’t chasing Palantir up here. It’s treating this quarter as confirmation that the AI-software sell-off went too far, then finding the overlooked names that haven’t re-rated yet.
The giant just told you the tide is turning. Your edge is fishing where nobody else is looking.
RESTON, Va., Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — V2X Inc. (NYSE: VVX) has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, with a $500 million ceiling value, by the U.S. Air Force to continue providing Contractor Logistics Support for the Air Force’s C-12 aircraft fleet.
The C-12 Huron provides time-sensitive transportation of personnel and cargo, medical evacuation, and flight test support for organizations including Air Force Materiel Command, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and Pacific Air Forces. Under the contract, V2X will continue delivering comprehensive maintenance, supply chain, engineering and logistics support for the globally deployed fleet through June 2031.
The award builds on V2X’s long-standing partnership with the U.S. Air Force, reflecting the company’s proven ability to deliver exceptional aircraft availability and mission readiness. Throughout the current program, V2X has consistently achieved mission capability rates exceeding 95 percent while earning exceptional Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System ratings for quality, schedule and mission execution.
“Our customers depend on these aircraft to execute missions around the world, often on short notice and in demanding environments,” said Vinny Caputo, Senior Vice President of Aerospace Systems at V2X. “This award reflects the confidence the U.S. Air Force places in our people and our proven ability to deliver sustained aircraft readiness. We are proud to continue supporting this important fleet with the operational excellence, technical expertise and mission focus our customers expect.”
V2X’s integrated sustainment approach combines maintenance, supply chain management, engineering, logistics and program management to maximize aircraft availability while improving operational efficiency. The company’s performance on the current program has enabled the Air Force to maintain exceptional fleet readiness while integrating new capabilities that improve mission effectiveness.
Work under the firm-fixed-priced contract will be performed at multiple locations across the United States and internationally, supporting Air Force operations and Foreign Military Sales partners across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Pacific.
About V2X V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission’s lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,000 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today’s toughest challenges across all operational domains.
Investor Contact Mike Smith, CFA Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations [email protected] 719-637-5773
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Overview. V2X’s reported strong second quarter performance reflecting consistent strategic execution, robust demand for the Company’s differentiated capabilities, and continued alignment to national security priorities. The Company’s recent awards across modernization, global training, aerospace, and mission readiness reinforce the value of V2X’s end-to-end solutions, ability to support global no-fail missions, and pursuit of profitable growth opportunities, in our view.
2Q26 Results. V2X reported revenue of $1.26 billion, up $178.3 million year-over-year, representing a 16.5% increase. We were at $1.2 billion. Adjusted EBITDA was $89.8 million, with a margin of 7.1%, representing an increase of 9% from the prior year. We had forecast $87 million and a 7.3% margin. Adjusted EPS came in at $1.64, up from $1.33 last year. We were at $1.44.
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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Net income of $25.5 million; Adjusted net income1 of $51.6 million, up 22% year-over-year
Adjusted EBITDA1 of $89.8 million; Adjusted EBITDA1 margin of 7.1%
Diluted EPS of $0.81; Adjusted diluted EPS1 of $1.64, up 23% year-over-year
Increasing full-year 2026 revenue, adjusted EBITDA1, and adjusted diluted earnings per share1 guidance
RESTON, Va., Aug. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — V2X, Inc. (NYSE:VVX) today announced second quarter 2026 financial results and increased 2026 guidance for revenue, adjusted EBITDA1, and adjusted diluted earnings per share1.
“With double-digit top and bottom-line growth, our strong second quarter performance reflects consistent strategic execution, robust demand for our differentiated capabilities and continued alignment to national security priorities,” said Jeremy C. Wensinger, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Recent awards across modernization, global training, aerospace and mission readiness reinforce the value of our end-to-end solutions, ability to support global no-fail missions, and pursuit of profitable growth opportunities that increase the value of our backlog. Our solid first-half performance and current backlog position us well as we enter the second half of 2026 and as such are increasing our 2026 outlook for revenue, adjusted EBITDA1 and adjusted EPS1. We remain focused on advancing our Go Towards Tomorrow strategy, prioritizing investments that accelerate innovation across the enterprise and strengthen our competitive solutions, and delivering differentiated value for customers and shareholders.”
Second Quarter 2026 Results
In the second quarter, V2X reported revenue of $1.26 billion, representing 17% year-over-year growth. The Company reported solid topline growth and strong operating performance, yielding double-digit growth in adjusted net income1 and adjusted EPS1. Net income for the quarter was $25.5 million. Adjusted net income1 was $51.6 million, an increase of 22%, year-over-year. Second quarter GAAP diluted EPS was $0.81. Adjusted diluted EPS1 for the quarter increased 23% year-over-year to $1.64.
V2X delivered adjusted EBITDA1 of $89.8 million, with a margin1 of 7.1%, representing an increase of 9%, from the prior year.
1 See “Key Performance Indicators and Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for descriptions and reconciliations.
Second quarter net cash provided by operating activities was $21.6 million. Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities1 was $71.8 million.
At the end of the second quarter, net debt for V2X was $876.1 million, representing an improvement of $71.4 million year-over-year and a 2.4x net leverage ratio1. The Company expects to achieve a net leverage ratio1 of approximately 2.0x by the end of 2026.
As of July 3, 2026, total backlog1 was $12.7 billion and funded backlog1 was $2.5 billion. Book-to-bill1 in the second quarter was approximately 0.5x. Trailing twelve-month book-to-bill1 was approximately 1.4x.
2026 Guidance
The Company is increasing its 2026 guidance ranges for revenue, adjusted EBITDA1, and adjusted diluted earnings per share1 as follows:
$ millions, except for per share amounts
Prior 2026 Guidance
Updated 2026 Guidance
Revenue
$4,825
$4,975
$4,875
$5,025
Adjusted EBITDA1
$345
$360
$347.5
$362.5
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share1
$5.75
$6.15
$5.90
$6.30
Adjusted Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities1
$160
$180
$160
$180
The Company is not providing a quantitative reconciliation with respect to the foregoing forward-looking non-GAAP measures in reliance on the “unreasonable efforts” exception set forth in SEC rules because certain financial information, the probable significance of which cannot be determined, is not available and cannot be reasonably estimated. For example, unusual, one-time, non-ordinary, or non-recurring costs, which relate to M&A, integration and related activities cannot be reasonably estimated. Forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested here, including those factors set forth in the Safe Harbor Statement below.
1 See “Key Performance Indicators and Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for descriptions and reconciliations.
Second Quarter Conference Call
Management will conduct a conference call with analysts and investors at 4:30 p.m. ET on Monday, August 3, 2026. U.S.-based participants may dial in to the conference call at 877-300-8521, while international participants may dial 412-317-6026. A live webcast of the conference call as well as an accompanying slide presentation will be available here: https://app.webinar.net/9LeOmbNmDjb
A replay of the conference call will be posted on the V2X website shortly after completion of the call and will be available for one year. A telephonic replay will also be available through August 17, 2026, at 844-512-2921 (domestic) or 412-317-6671 (international) with passcode 10210672.
Presentation slides that will be used in conjunction with the conference call will also be made available online in advance on the “investors” section of the company’s website at https://gov2x.com. V2X recognizes its website as a key channel of distribution to reach public investors and as a means of disclosing material non-public information to comply with its obligations under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Regulation FD.
About V2X
V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission’s lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,200 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today’s toughest challenges across all operational domains.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”): Certain material presented herein includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Act.
Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “potential,” “continue” or similar terminology. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of the management of the Company based on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements in this press release, include, but are not limited to our future performance and capabilities; all of the statements and items listed under “2026 Guidance” above and other assumptions contained therein for purposes of such guidance; our belief that prior performance provides substantial visibility for future performance; market trends; product development; capital deployment; future net leverage ratio; and our belief that our innovation strategy, visibility, and targeted growth opportunities provide substantial demand for our services and opportunities for value creation.
These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions, or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other important factors, many of which are outside our management’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s historical experience and our present expectations or projections. For a discussion of some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements, see the risks and other factors detailed from time to time in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings with the SEC.
We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Specialized 68,000-square-foot Facility is Fully Equipped to Perform Advanced Manufacturing, Integration and Testing of Experimental Hypersonic Payloads
New Facility is Key Element of Kratos Expected Significant Hypersonic Franchise Future Organic Growth Trajectory
SAN DIEGO, July 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company specializing in defense, national security, and global markets, today announced that construction of its Indiana Payload Integration Facility (IPIF) for Hypersonic Systems located in Crane, Indiana, has been completed ahead of schedule.
Kratos’ IPIF, a $50 million state-of-the-art facility, is designed and purpose-built for rapid, affordable preparation of experimental payloads to significantly boost the tempo of flight testing for next-generation hypersonic systems and technologies, and to accelerate the development of new and advanced weapons systems.
Kratos is at the forefront of hypersonic and advanced technology development and testing, providing affordable, high-performance solutions to meet the needs of the U.S. military and allied nations. Kratos is the only company delivering both propulsion and flyer systems, which includes Kratos’ low cost Erinyes Hypersonic Flyer, Dark Fury, Zeus and Oriole Solid Rocket Motors, along with other Kratos systems and technologies. Kratos provides unmatched innovation, disruptive capabilities, mission responsiveness and affordability to our customers across our portfolio of systems.
The 68,000-square-foot facility is fully equipped to perform advanced manufacturing, integration and testing of experimental hypersonic payloads. The IPIF engineering team will utilize enhanced workflows to simultaneously integrate, test and prepare up to six experimental payloads for critical hypersonic vehicles supporting programs like the Multi-Service Advanced Capabilities Hypersonic Testbed (MACH-TB). This new facility demonstrates Kratos’ steadfast commitment to advancing hypersonic system development and expanding the industrial base needed to accelerate Mach 5+ flight testing. The facility is expected to create over 100 high-tech jobs, with an estimated average annual wage of $80,000+, with significant hiring underway.
Mike Johns, Vice President of Kratos SRE, said, “The IPIF investment in southern Indiana brings online a national asset and critically needed infrastructure to rapidly scale the cadence of hypersonic testing in the United States. The facility will be a gathering place for the most advanced technologies and companies in hypersonics.”
Dave Carter, President of Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services, said, “Kratos’ infrastructure expansion near the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division is part of our strategy to establish an advanced defense hub in Southern Indiana. We are building strategic, purpose-built facilities that enhance U.S. defense and aerospace capabilities.”
For more information on Kratos and its hypersonic programs, visit www.kratosdefense.com.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low-cost future manufacturing which is a value add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, advanced vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com and follow Kratos on LinkedIn and X.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 28, 2025, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
RESTON, Va., July 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — V2X, Inc. (NYSE: VVX), a leading provider of global mission solutions supporting national security, defense, and civilian customers, today announced it has joined the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, following S&P Dow Jones Indices’ previously announced rebalancing.
“Joining the S&P SmallCap 600 is an important milestone for V2X and reflects the progress we’ve made in executing our strategy and delivering long-term value,” said Jeremy C. Wensinger, President and Chief Executive Officer of V2X. “Our inclusion recognizes the progress of our business and the dedication of our employees, who deliver exceptional outcomes for our customers every day. We remain focused on executing our strategy and creating lasting value for our shareholders.”
The S&P SmallCap 600 is widely recognized as a leading benchmark for the U.S. small-cap equity market and is designed to measure the performance of established companies that meet specific criteria for market capitalization, liquidity, public float, and financial viability. Inclusion in the index may increase visibility among institutional investors and investment funds that track the benchmark.
About V2X V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission’s lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,000 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today’s toughest challenges across all operational domains.
Investor Contact Mike Smith, CFA Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations [email protected] 719-637-5773
Media Contact Angelica Spanos Deoudes Senior Director, Marketing and Communications [email protected] 571-338-5195
Advanced Turbomachinery Successfully Validated Ahead of Integration into Next-Generation Missile Propulsion System
SAN DIEGO, July 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company in the defense, national security and global markets, today announced that it has successfully developed, tested, and delivered advanced turbomachinery supporting development of Lockheed Martin’s advanced ramjet propulsion system.
Kratos designed a compact, high-performance turbomachinery solution that harnesses ram air energy to support propulsion system operations. This self-regulating design delivers a superior size and weight solution compared to alternative approaches, contributing to the overall performance and affordability objectives of the program. Prior to integration into the propulsion system, Kratos completed a comprehensive standalone turbomachinery test campaign to validate operating points, component durability, and performance.
The successful validation of Kratos’ turbomachinery contributed to the broader propulsion system’s testing, which validated the propulsion system’s readiness to advance toward flight testing. Representatives from Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Army’s Aviation and Missile Center were present to witness the propulsion system test, which demonstrated that the missile’s core propulsion is a validated capability ready to support near-term fielding plans.
“Kratos is a leader in propulsion technology, dedicated to the rapid development, demonstration and deployment of innovative solutions,” said Stacey Rock, President of Kratos Turbine Technologies. “Our philosophy is to collaborate with industry leaders who share our mission of delivering cutting-edge technologies and capabilities to market quickly and cost-effectively. This opportunity with Lockheed Martin has been highly successful and represents a cornerstone of our long-term strategic initiatives.”
Kratos has and continues to invest in technology and infrastructure to support its growing family of turbomachinery products for advanced propulsion applications. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and the company’s internally funded research, development, and capital investments enable rapid delivery of high-performance solutions that address the nation’s most challenging defense requirements.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading-edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low-cost future manufacturing which is a value-add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, hypersonic vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com and follow Kratos on LinkedIn and X.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 28, 2025, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
SAN DIEGO, July 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Global Markets, announced today that it will publish financial results for the second quarter 2026 after the close of market on Tuesday, August 4th. Management will discuss the Company’s operations and financial results in a conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pacific (5:00 p.m. Eastern).
The call will be available at www.kratosdefense.com. Participants may register for the call using this On-line Form. Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive the dial-in number along with a unique PIN that can be used to access the call. For those who cannot access the live broadcast, a replay will be available on Kratos’ website.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low cost future manufacturing which is a value add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, hypersonic vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
New Business. Kratos continues to receive new business, confirming the large growth opportunities available, in our view. The new business highlights the Company’s operating philosophy of having the right products, in the right space, at the right time. The recent awards add to the pile of new business Kratos has been awarded so far in 2026.
C-UAS Award. Kratos was awarded a sole-source, single-award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for approximately $156 million by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Secure Transportation (OST) in support of Project Solar Shield. Under this new contract award, Kratos will provide mobile Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) platforms designed to support OST’s critical National Security mission. The OST is responsible for the safe and secure ground and air transportation of nuclear weapons, weapon components, and special nuclear materials. Kratos was selected following a rigorous technical evaluation.
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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
PDF VersionKratos to provide Mobile Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Platforms Designed to Support Critical National Security Mission
SAN DIEGO, July 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company in the defense, national security and global markets, today announced it has been awarded a sole-source, single award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for approximately $156 million, by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Secure Transportation (OST), in support of Project Solar Shield.
Under this new contract award, Kratos will provide mobile Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) platforms designed to support OST’s critical National Security mission. The Office of Secure Transportation is responsible for the safe and secure ground and air transportation of nuclear weapons, weapon components, and special nuclear materials, as well as other missions supporting U.S. national security.
To address emerging threats to these operations, OST requires a mission-ready mobile platform capable of detecting, tracking, identifying, and responding to potentially hostile unmanned aircraft systems in real time. Unlike traditional fixed-site defense infrastructure, Project Solar Shield is designed to provide a dynamic mobile C-UAS capability that can support mission requirements wherever OST operations occur. The program will leverage commercial and government best-in-class C-UAS technologies, to provide a layered defense posture supporting OST personnel and mission requirements.
Kratos was selected following a rigorous technical evaluation and was identified as the provider capable of meeting OST’s technical, cost, schedule, operational, safety, redundancy, integration, and long-term sustainment requirements. Kratos’ engineer-to-order approach combines C-UAS system, mobile platform design, command-and-control, and advanced power management technologies into a fully integrated solution, built for demanding threat and mission environments.
“Project Solar Shield represents a significant milestone for Kratos and the broader government C-UAS market,” said Dave Carter, President of Kratos’ Defense & Rocket Support Services Division. “As the first large scale government production contract of its kind built around this integrated approach, the program demonstrates the value of combining C-UAS, mobile platform design, command-and-control capabilities, and resilient power management into a single mission-ready solution. The resulting platform provides OST with a highly modular and scalable mobile C-UAS capability, designed to support evolving mission requirements across the continental United States.”
Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said, “We believe that Kratos’ technology, system and integration capabilities in the C-UAS mission area are industry leading, and also our ability to mass produce large quantities of relevant systems at an affordable cost. Our entire organization is proud to have received this program award to protect and secure critical United States assets and infrastructure.”
Work under this new program award will be performed at secure Kratos facilities. Due to security-related and other considerations, no additional information will be provided related to this contract award. Work under the contract is expected to begin immediately.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading-edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low-cost future manufacturing which is a value-add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, hypersonic vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com and follow Kratos on LinkedIn and X.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 28, 2025, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
Lockheed Martin introduced a new, lower-cost version of its Patriot interceptor at the Farnborough Airshow on Monday, a move that reflects how fundamentally the economics of air defense have changed under the pressure of real-world conflict. The PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector, or PAC-3 ACE, is projected to cost less than half the price of the current PAC-3 MSE interceptor, which runs approximately $4 million per missile according to US Army budget documents. Initial production is expected to begin within 36 months, developed and manufactured jointly with US and European industry partners.
The announcement is not just a product launch. It is a direct response to a cost asymmetry problem that the Iran conflict has made impossible to ignore.
The Math That Forced the Decision
Throughout Operation Epic Fury, US forces in the Middle East have burned through finite interceptor stockpiles to counter Iranian drones that cost a fraction of the missiles used to destroy them. A single PAC-3 MSE interceptor costs roughly $4 million. An Iranian Shahed drone costs approximately $35,000. When you are spending more than 100 times the cost of the threat to defeat it, the economics of attrition work against you regardless of how effective the technology is.
That disparity has pushed the Pentagon and its prime contractors to rethink the entire approach to air defense procurement. The Missile Defense Agency launched a Low-Cost Interceptor program in late 2025 with a target price of $750,000 per unit. Lockheed’s PAC-3 ACE, at under $2 million, sits in the middle of the cost spectrum between that target and the current MSE, offering a bridge solution that can enter production faster because it is built on existing PAC-3 guidance technology and is compatible with legacy Patriot systems and the Integrated Battle Command System.
The European Manufacturing Push
Lockheed is not building this missile alone. The company has signaled its intention to develop PAC-3 ACE jointly with European defense partners and has expressed interest in eventually producing an entirely European-sourced variant manufactured on the continent. This follows a July 7 memorandum of understanding with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall to establish the first European production center for the Army Tactical Missile System.
The pattern is clear: Lockheed is investing in distributed manufacturing capacity across allied nations rather than concentrating production domestically. That approach strengthens the broader defense industrial base, reduces supply chain bottlenecks, and gives NATO members the ability to produce and stockpile interoperable interceptors locally rather than depending entirely on American production during a crisis.
Where Small Cap Defense and Industrial Companies Fit
For investors tracking the defense and industrial sectors below the $2 billion market cap threshold, the shift toward distributed, cost-optimized defense manufacturing creates a meaningful opportunity set. When a prime contractor like Lockheed commits to building cheaper weapons with a broader supplier base across multiple countries, it pulls smaller specialized manufacturers, component suppliers, and defense services companies into the production chain.
Defense services contractors like V2X, which provides mission-critical support across military operations and logistics, and specialized defense technology companies like T3 Defense sit in the exact part of the ecosystem that benefits when defense procurement scales horizontally rather than concentrating vertically through a single prime. Precision component manufacturers like NN Inc., which produces highly engineered parts for defense and industrial applications, are also positioned in the supply chain that affordable, high-volume interceptor production would activate.
The defense industry spent decades optimizing for performance at any cost. The Iran conflict exposed that model’s limitations in real time. What comes next is a manufacturing and procurement shift toward affordability, volume, and distributed production, and the smaller companies with the right capabilities are the ones best positioned to fill the gaps the primes cannot fill alone.
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