SAN DIEGO, April 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, announced today that it was awarded a contract by a DoD Prime contractor to provide a concurrency upgrade to multiple ground tactical platform maintenance training systems.
Commenting on the award, Jose Diaz, Sr. Vice President at Kratos Training Solutions, stated: “Over the last 25 years Kratos has supported DoD and allied military customers by designing, developing and delivering advanced maintenance training systems. We are committed to delivering the same high level of quality with these upgrades.”
Due to customer, competitive, security-related and other considerations, no additional information will be provided related to this contract award.
Kratos develops advanced, cost-effective maintenance and operational training solutions for U.S. and allied forces to enhance warfighter readiness and survivability. Kratos is driving innovation in military simulation and training programs through application of immersive technologies within advanced simulation systems for air, ground, maritime and space domains.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a Technology Company that develops and fields transformative, affordable systems, products and solutions for United States National Security, our allies and global commercial enterprises. At Kratos, Affordability is a Technology, and Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology is rapidly brought to market – at a low cost – with actual products, systems and technologies rather than slide decks or renderings. Through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive, internally funded research and streamlined development processes, Kratos is focused on being First to Market with our solutions, well in advance of competition. Kratos is the recognized Technology Disruptor in our core market areas, including Space and Satellite Communications, Cyber Security and Warfare, Unmanned Systems, Rocket and Hypersonic Systems, Next-Generation Jet Engines and Propulsion Systems, Microwave Electronics, C5ISR and Virtual and Augmented Reality Training Systems. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com.
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 25, 2022, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
Virtualized software apps bring more power and flexibility to the edge by replacing dedicated hardware
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, released the first of its new OpenEdge™ products, the industry’s first open standards-based and software-enabled satellite terminals. Part of Kratos’ OpenSpace® Platform, OpenEdge is the first generally available family of satellite network edge devices employing a modern, software-defined approach for a range of communications, observation, sensing and TT&C uses. OpenEdge is the next step in Kratos’ ongoing effort to support the mainstreaming of satellite services by enabling satellite ground systems to operate seamlessly with today’s wireless and terrestrial networks.
Until OpenEdge, satellite terminals─ the devices that end users employ at the far edge of a satellite ground network to transmit and receive data─ have been purpose-built hardware devices that seriously restrict functionality and flexibility at the network’s edge. OpenEdge disrupts these limitations by:
employing virtualized software modems that can run on general purpose, off-the-shelf compute, and
adding far more power and versatility by enabling additional apps to run at the network’s edge, fully orchestrated across service delivery
Bringing Flexibility to the Network’s Edge Today’s satellite terminals consist of purpose-built hardware components that are limited to performing a dedicated function, for example a satellite modem performing modulation/demodulation functions. OpenEdge uses a different model for operating at the edge, one that employs standards already widely adopted across the larger global telecommunications industry to expand terminal functions and make them more flexible. These standards are what enable mobile devices such as smartphones to support roaming, use cloud-based functions, interoperate with other networks and do much more. While satellites present a more complex technology challenge, the goal of OpenSpace and OpenEdge is to help satellite operators make their services as mainstream as cellular communications and to capitalize on new services such as 5G.
“OpenEdge satellite terminals extend the dynamic operations of the OpenSpace Platform beyond the core and gateway out to the network’s far edge,” said Greg Quiggle, Senior Vice President of Space Product Management at Kratos, “As a result, signal processing and other value-added network functions happen closer to the end user. This enables satellite service providers to deploy new services in minutes while dramatically reducing the overall lifecycle cost of their network.
Intelsat, one of the world’s largest commercial satellite operators, will be among the first to supplant traditional satellite terminals with OpenEdge capabilities.
“OpenEdge technology powers Intelsat’s family of smart edge satellite terminals providing a highly dynamic and application-optimized customer experience. Through this open and virtualized platform, we are able to deliver new services and features to the customer edge on-demand,” commented Blane Boynton, VP Product Development at Intelsat. “We expect this technology to benefit customers across multiple industries and applications, from fixed cellular backhaul and enterprise connectivity, to inflight and maritime applications. In the near future, we’ll rely on OpenEdge technology to help us be the first to transition to 5G, standards based, service delivery for non-terrestrial applications.”
Adding Power at the Edge The OpenEdge advantage starts with Kratos’ virtual modem, replacing the traditional hardware box with software that can run on off-the-shelf x86 compute devices, such as a generic server, a laptop or in the cloud. It can interface directly with a digitally-enabled antenna or be configured with a built-in digitizer that converts the satellite’s analog RF signals into standard Internet Protocol (IP) packets that can be operated upon digitally.
Because OpenEdge effectively turns the traditional, purpose-built terminal into a generic, off-the-shelf computer─ sometimes referred to as universal customer premises equipment (uCPE)─ it can incorporate any x86 applications into operations at the edge. For example, a spectrum monitoring app can be loaded so that end users in the field can quickly find alternate routes for avoiding interference or intentional jamming of satellite signals. In fact, operators or mission controllers can actually turn the terminal into a remote hub in minutes simply by remotely enabling additional software directly into the terminal. The Value of Orchestration At a time when satcom equipment vendors are still struggling to virtualize even basic network functions, Kratos has done that and more by delivering orchestrated virtual network functions today. Orchestration is the ability to specify and automate how network functions will interoperate with each other to support specific services, missions, customer requirements and satellite payloads, and to intelligently configure and reconfigure themselves in real time as needs and demands change. While common across the global communications infrastructure, orchestration has not been employed to great degree in satellite networks, in part due to the challenge of virtualizing unique satcom functions. However, traditional hardware-based ground systems and terminals simply can no longer keep up with the increasingly dynamic advances in both the space layer, such as software-defined satellites and constellations of smallsats, nor in the world’s global communications networks, such as automated provisioning and mobility. In contrast, OpenSpace can ably support these necessary dynamic operations.
Additional OpenEdge Advantages The dynamic advances in OpenEdge support additional benefits to network operators and their customers with more power and flexibility at the edge, including:
Support for Multiple Missions and Markets. OpenEdge terminals simultaneously support a variety of fixed and mobile satellite use cases, including two-way Satellite Communication (satcom), Earth Observation and Remote Sensing (EO/RS), and Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C). Additionally, they can deliver complementary end-user services in the same way that a terrestrial network does, such as enterprise network extension, cellular backhaul, telecom trunking and defense and government applications.
Lower Hardware Cost, Smaller Footprint. OpenEdge terminals reduce the overall hardware footprint to a single box. As a generic x86 device, it both costs less than proprietary units while enabling more power simply by adding complementary software apps. Because the digitizer can be built in, OpenEdge terminals can work with virtually any mission-suitable antenna.
Enhanced Security at the Edge. Any x86-based app can be loaded on the OpenEdge terminal, including firewalls, encrypters and more advanced or custom security applications for highly sensitive uses.
Eliminate Vendor Lock-In. Today’s purpose-built terminals all employ proprietary architectures which lock customers into their equipment for given services, especially in satcom. In contrast, OpenEdge, and the entire OpenSpace Platform, embrace commonly accepted industry interoperability standards, enabling OpenEdge terminals to work side-by-side with standards compliant devices from other companies. In addition, network operators will find much greater success integrating their space-based offerings into the global communications mainstream, expanding their reach, services and revenue.
About Kratos OpenSpace Kratos’ OpenSpace family of solutions enables the digital transformation of satellite ground systems to become a more dynamic and powerful part of the space network. The family consists of three product lines: OpenSpace SpectralNet for converting satellite RF signals to be used in digital environments; OpenSpace quantum products, which are virtual versions of traditional hardware components; and the OpenSpace Platform, the first commercially available, fully orchestrated, software-defined ground system. These three OpenSpace lines enable satellite operators and other service providers to implement digital operations at their own pace and in ways that meet their unique mission goals and business models. For more information about the OpenSpace family visit http://KratosDefense.com/OpenSpace.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research, and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training, combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.KratosDefense.com.
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 26, 2021, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, announced today that it will publish financial results for the fourth quarter and Fiscal Year End of 2022 after the close of market on Thursday, February 23rd. 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 Online 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) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training, combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.KratosDefense.com.
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, announced today that its Defense & Rocket System Services (DRSS) Division, in collaboration with Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division, has received a contract from its prime teammate and partner Leidos to support the Expendable Hypersonic Multi-Mission ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and Strike Program, known as Mayhem. This new contract award will support the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) development of an air-breathing hypersonic weapon system over its initial 51-month period of performance. The initial task order will conduct the System Requirements Review (SRR) and Conceptual Design Review (CoDR) in a Digital Engineering (DE) environment.
In partnership with Leidos, Kratos will serve as a member of the System Design Agent (SDA) team for the Mayhem program, which also includes Calspan and Draper. The SDA’s goal is to design a system that allows rapid relevant technology insertions utilizing the expertise and capabilities from a variety of industry partners. The role of the SDA for this program will also include bringing the best of industry together to perform research and development necessary for production of air-breathing multi-mission hypersonic system prototypes. The SDA will oversee designs, prototypes, and tests to ultimately produce and deliver a technical data package for high performance, relevant hypersonic weapon systems.
Air-breathing hypersonic systems use scramjet engines to generate thrust, propelling the vehicle across long distances at speeds greater than Mach 5. The SDA team is tasked with designing and developing a large-class version that surpasses current air-breathing systems in both range and payload capacity and is responsible for delivering a hypersonic system design to include airframe, propulsion system, booster, avionics, and vehicle subsystems.
“This opportunity will provide a unique capability for our Warfighters, and we’re excited to be part of the new Mayhem program. As a critical part of the SDA team, Kratos will drive mission success by leveraging our flight-proven agile digital engineering principles and extensive experience in high performance propulsion, hypersonic, and air vehicle design,” said Dave Carter, President of DRSS. “Kratos has successfully developed and flown several hypersonic “systems” over the last decade, and our internally funded hypersonic investments in unique systems, including Zeus and Erinyes are beginning to pay dividends in important national security solutions.”
Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said “Kratos’ mission is to be a disruptive transformation agent to the U.S. National Security industrial base and market, rapidly designing, developing, producing and fielding affordable systems and technology. The Mayhem Hypersonic Systems program award with our strategic partner Leidos is a recent representative example of our continued success.”
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training, combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.KratosDefense.com.
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 26, 2021, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, announced today that it has recently received an approximate $13 million potential value, Single Award Contract for electronic warfare related system products and solutions. The contract is expected to be incrementally funded over the relative periods of performance. Kratos is a technology company in the National Security and commercial market areas, providing hardware, products, systems and solutions for hypersonics, ballistic missile defense, space and satellite communication, engine and propulsion, unmanned aerial drone, cyber warfare and other areas. Work under this program award will be performed at secure Kratos engineering and production facilities. Due to competitive, security related and other considerations, no additional information will be provided related to this contract award.
Yonah Adelman, President of Kratos Microwave Electronic Division (KMED), said, “KMED is a leading technology and product supplier supporting missile, radar, command, control, communications, space, satellite and other systems, and our entire organization is proud to work with this important National Security related customer.”
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training, combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.KratosDefense.com.
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 26, 2021, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, announced today that it has received the initial $30 million in funding on a potential $250 million Command, Control, Communication, Computing, Combat System Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) program. The new contract is single award to Kratos. Kratos is a technology company in the National Security market and a leading provider of systems, subsystems, components and solutions for mission critical programs, including in the unmanned aerial drone, hypersonic, space, satellite communication, propulsion system, cyber warfare and microwave electronic areas. Work under this new program award will be performed at secure Kratos engineering and manufacturing facilities. Due to competitive, security and other considerations, no additional information will be provided related to this program award.
Yonah Adelman, President of Kratos Microwave Electronic Division (KMED), said, “Our entire division has been working for an extended period to be successful on this competitive new program opportunity, now the largest single program award in KMED’s history. As we end 2022 and begin 2023, KMED has a record backlog of approximately 2X Revenue, we are in pursuit of additional new program opportunities, and we are positioned for sustained future organic growth.”
Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said, “Yonah and his team’s success on this new, mission critical, National Security related program opportunity is representative of Kratos’ successful strategy of providing leading edge disruptive technology products and systems to our customers at an affordable cost. Kratos is positioned for additional expected new program awards in the microwave, hypersonic, satellite communication, propulsion system, drone and other areas.”
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training, combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.KratosDefense.com.
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 26, 2021, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
Virtualized and Orchestrated Products Support the Dynamic Needs of Today’s Software-Defined Payloads and Multi-Orbit Constellations
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 29, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider announced today the general availability of its virtual OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner for satellite ground operations. The products are used to split and combine digitized RF signals for more effective downlink and uplink, especially to support the advanced capabilities of next generation software-defined satellites and LEO constellations. For example, to support increasing customer demand or to address potential cases of interference, a high bandwidth signal from a software-defined satellite can be split into smaller signals and routed across the ground dynamically for service delivery or for RF analysis.
The OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner are completely virtualized running on general purpose compute, replacing the racks of proprietary RF analog devices such as splitters and dividers that constitute today’s ground systems. Analog hardware components are not capable of keeping up with the faster demands growing in the space layer, such as high throughput spot beams, multi-orbit constellations and programmable payloads. For example, it can take days, weeks and sometimes months to make configuration changes to hardware, often requiring technicians to fly to remote locations to re-cable and install hardware in teleports. As software, however, the OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner enable configuration and reconfiguration in just seconds in order to adapt to changing mission conditions such as interference or to support changing customer service levels.
The OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner go beyond simple virtualization. They are orchestrated together with any standards-based digitizer and with other OpenSpace Platform ground functions to support automation and the quick provisioning of new services across the ground segment, including needed uplink/downlink functions. Virtual elements can be spun up for new missions on the fly and when no longer needed, spun down so the resources can be used for other operations.
The OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner support a variety of satellite use cases for applications in two-way satellite communication (SATCOM) services, Earth Observation and Remote Sensing (EO/RS), and Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C). Intelsat, the world’s largest commercial satellite operator, will be among the first users of the OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner for SATCOM. In May of this year Intelsat announced it would use Kratos’ OpenSpace Platform to support its coming software-defined satellites and supporting ground network.
“We are supporting our customers growing connectivity needs for high-speed and reliable coverage on a global scale by enabling software-defined capabilities across our network,” commented Carmel Ortiz, VP of Systems Innovation at Intelsat. “Working in concert with our dynamic satellites, the OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner as part of the OpenSpace Platform will help us accelerate the provisioning of new connectivity services and respond to traffic spikes in a matter of seconds.”
“The OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner are available today to support the satellite ground systems movement toward digital transformation,” explained Christopher Boyd, Vice President of Product Management at Kratos. “The OpenSpace Platform is a fully digital gateway solution with digitizers that route IF signals from antennas across the ground system using virtualized channelizers/combiners to modem service chains that process the signals. The fully digital and software-based approach enables OpenSpace to be deployed in a single teleport or scaled across multiple teleports and data centers depending on service scale requirements.”
About OpenSpace Kratos’ OpenSpace family of solutions enables the digital transformation of satellite ground systems to become a more dynamic and powerful part of the space network. The family consists of three product lines: OpenSpace SpectralNet for converting satellite RF signals to be used in digital environments; OpenSpace quantum products, which are virtual versions of traditional hardware components; and the OpenSpace Platform, the first commercially available, fully orchestrated, software-defined ground system. These three OpenSpace lines enable satellite operators and other service providers to implement digital operations at their own pace and in ways that meet their unique mission goals and business models. For more information about the OpenSpace family visit: https://www.KratosDefense.com/OpenSpace.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training, combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.KratosDefense.com.
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 26, 2021, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq:KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, today reported its third quarter 2022 financial results. For the third quarter of 2022, Kratos reported Revenues of $228.6 million, Operating Loss of $3.6 million, Net Loss of $8.0 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $20.0 million and a book to bill ratio of 1.1 to 1.0.
Included in Net Loss is a $6.4 million charge, $3.4 million related to certain non-recoverable costs, including rate and cost growth items resulting from an inability to hire the required planned direct labor base, both internally and by our subcontractors, to execute on our backlog, due to a continuing challenging industry environment in both hiring and retaining skilled manufacturing personnel in our C5ISR business and $3 million from non-recoverable indirect cost rate growth resulting from a smaller than planned direct labor base due to delays in customer program execution and awards in our Training Solutions business. We have recorded this charge as the Department of Defense (DoD) position remains that Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs) will not be accepted by contractors like Kratos for inflation related and other increased costs, and as Kratos’ contract mix in the C5ISR and Training Solutions businesses is substantially firm fixed price, we are unable to absorb and pass on to our customers such unanticipated costs in our programs, contracts and rate structures and remain competitive, including as certain program execution work has either not yet commenced or has just begun.
Third quarter 2022 Operating Loss includes non-cash stock compensation expense of $6.6 million, and Company-funded Research and Development expense of $9.6 million, primarily reflecting significant ongoing development efforts being made, including in our Space and Satellite business to develop our virtual, software-based OpenSpace ground station solution.
Kratos reported a third quarter 2022 GAAP loss per share of $0.06, which includes the $6.4 million charge noted above, compared to a Net Loss of $2.4 million and a GAAP loss per share of $0.02 for the third quarter of 2021. Adjusted EPS was $0.08 for the third quarter of 2022, compared to $0.09 for the third quarter of 2021.
Third quarter 2022 Revenues of $228.6 million, which increased $28.0 million, or 14.0 percent, from third quarter 2021 Revenues of $200.6 million, were adversely impacted by continuing and increased supply chain disruptions and increased material costs, COVID-related employee absenteeism and increased challenges and costs associated with hiring, obtaining and retaining qualified employees, which resulted in approximately $11.3 million of third quarter 2022 revenues being deferred into future periods, with approximately $5.9 million of associated operating income, including increased inflationary costs. Third quarter 2022 revenues include an aggregate contribution of $30.2 million from the recent acquisitions of Cosmic Advanced Engineered Solutions, Inc. (Cosmic AES), CTT, Inc. (CTT), and the Engineering Division of Southern Research Institute (SRE), organic revenue growth in our C5ISR, Turbine Technologies, Microwave Products, and Rocket Support businesses, primarily offset by reduced volume in our Unmanned Systems and Training Solutions businesses.
Third quarter 2022 Cash Flow Used in Operations was $2.8 million. Free Cash Flow Used in Operations was $15.7 million, after funding $12.9 million of capital expenditures, including in our Unmanned Systems, Space, Satellite and Cyber and Turbine Technologies business areas.
For the third quarter of 2022, Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Segment (KUS) generated Revenues of $50.0 million, as compared to $61.3 million in the third quarter of 2021, primarily reflecting reduced tactical drone related activity as compared to 2021. KUS Operating Loss was $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2022 compared to KUS Operating Income of $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2021, reflecting reduced volumes, a less favorable mix of revenues, including an increase in development programs which typically generate lower margins, an increase in SG&A costs of approximately $0.2 million resulting primarily from increased headcount, and an increase of R&D expenses of approximately $1.0 million.
KUS Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2022 was $2.1 million, compared to third quarter 2021 KUS Adjusted EBITDA of $4.7 million, reflecting reduced volume, increases in certain development programs which typically generate lower margins and increases in SG&A, R&D, supply chain related and employee costs.
KUS’s book-to-bill ratio for the third quarter of 2022 was 1.0 to 1.0 and 1.0 to 1.0 for the last twelve months ended September 25, 2022, with bookings of $221.3 million for the twelve months ended September 25, 2022. Total backlog for KUS at the end of the third quarter of 2022 was $202.4 million compared to $203.3 million at the end of the second quarter of 2022.
For the third quarter of 2022, Kratos’ Government Solutions Segment (KGS) reported Revenues of $178.6 million, compared to Revenues of $139.3 million in the third quarter of 2021. The increased revenues include the aggregate contribution of approximately $30.2 million from the recently acquired Cosmic AES, CTT and SRE, and organic revenue growth in our C5ISR, Turbine Technologies, Microwave Products, and Rocket Support businesses, primarily offset by a reduction of $2.8 million in our Training Solutions business. On a proforma basis, excluding the Training Solutions business, KGS revenues grew organically 8.9 percent or $11.8 million, from $133.1 million in the third quarter of 2021 to $144.9 million in the third quarter of 2022.
KGS reported operating income of $3.3 million in the third quarter of 2022, compared to $14.6 million in the third quarter of 2021. Third quarter 2022 operating income included the charge for non-recoverable costs of $6.4 million in our C5ISR and Training Solutions businesses described above, as well as a $0.6 million charge related to excess Training Solutions facilities.
Kratos’ Space, Satellite and Cyber business generated Revenues of $85.9 million in the third quarter of 2022, compared to $72.0 million in the third quarter of 2021. Excluding revenues generated of $15.6 million from the recent Cosmic AES acquisition, revenues for our Space, Satellite and Cyber business were $70.3 million in the third quarter of 2022, down approximately $1.7 million reflecting the wind-down of a federal services satellite contract in 2021.
Excluding the impact of the $6.4 million charge related to non-recoverable costs and the $0.6 million charge related to excess Training Solutions facilities, third quarter 2022 KGS Adjusted EBITDA was $17.9 million, compared to third quarter 2021 KGS Adjusted EBITDA of $19.1 million.
For the third quarter of 2022, KGS reported a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1 to 1.0, with a book to bill ratio of 1.2 to 1.0 for the twelve months ended September 25, 2022, and bookings of $807.6 million for the twelve months ended September 25, 2022. Included in KGS is Kratos’ Space, Satellite and Cyber business, which reported a book to bill ratio of 1.1 to 1.0 for the third quarter of 2022, and a book to bill ratio of 1.2 to 1.0 for the twelve months ended September 25, 2022. Bookings for the Space, Satellite and Cyber business for the last twelve months ended September 25, 2022, were $406.2 million. KGS’s total backlog at the end of the third quarter of 2022 was $866.6 million, as compared to $846.9 million at the end of the second quarter of 2022.
For the third quarter of 2022, Kratos reported consolidated bookings of $246.5 million and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1 to 1.0, with consolidated bookings of $1.029 billion and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2 to 1.0 for the last twelve months ended September 25, 2022. Backlog on September 25, 2022 was $1.07 billion, as compared to $1.05 billion at June 26, 2022, and Kratos’ bid and proposal pipeline was $9.9 billion at September 25, 2022, as compared to $9.9 billion at June 26, 2022. Backlog at September 25, 2022 was comprised of funded backlog of $696.1 million and unfunded backlog of $372.8 million.
Eric DeMarco, Kratos’ President and CEO, said, “In the third quarter, Kratos successfully executed on what we can control in a continued and increasingly difficult operating environment, including a 1.1 to 1.0 book to bill ratio and the recent MACH-TB Hypersonic program award with our partner Dynetics, which could be significant related to Kratos’ Zeus launch systems and Erinyes vehicles. Expected upcoming awards for Kratos include an additional new hypersonic related program award, two new Valkyrie related tactical drone system awards from two new customers for multiple aircraft and a large OpenSpace virtualized satellite system program award.”
Mr. DeMarco continued, “Since our last report to you, we were informed that certain Kratos satellite program related software deliverables expected to be acquired by an existing government customer have been delayed to a future period and we were informed by a customer that funding is no longer available for the continuation of a certain, non-Valkyrie related drone program we have been working on, both which were previously forecast as significant contributors to our fourth quarter 2022 financial forecast. We have also determined that as a result of the continuing incredibly tight labor market for qualified machinists and skilled production personnel, including those with security clearances, that we will not achieve by this fiscal year end our previous forecast net increase headcount target to execute on our backlog and maintain our indirect rates. We have reflected the impact of each of these and other items, including inflation, supply chain, etc., in today’s third quarter financial report and our updated fiscal 2022 forecast.”
Mr. DeMarco concluded, “We have taken action to address these matters, including continuing to incorporate in our new proposals and contract awards cost and rate increases to address the inflationary environment, including specifically as related to higher labor rates and we have adjusted the organization in certain areas to address customer related delays, funding and other issues. By taking these actions now, having a 1.2 to 1.0 LTM book to bill ratio with multiple large, new programs ramping and maintaining a record combined backlog and opportunity pipeline, we continue to forecast future growth for the Company, including base case full year 2023 over 2022 10 percent revenue growth and increased margins, with potential accelerated growth opportunities in the tactical drone, space, satellite, rocket and hypersonic system areas.”
Financial Guidance Our fourth quarter and Fiscal Year 2022 financial guidance we are providing today includes our current forecasted business mix, and our assumptions, including as related to: employee sourcing, hiring and retention; manufacturing, production and supply chain disruptions; and parts shortages and related continued significant cost and price increases, including for employees, materials and components that are impacting the industry and Kratos. The range of our expected fourth quarter 2022 revenues includes assumptions of forecasted execution including the number of new qualified personnel expected to be retained to execute on our programs and contracts, as well as expected contract awards. Our revised Fiscal Year 2022 cash flow guidance also includes continued advanced purchases of inventory in an attempt to mitigate supply chain disruptions, which are not currently expected to be converted to cash through the sales process until the second half of 2023.
On October 1, 2022, the U.S. Federal Government began operating under a Continuing Resolution Authorization (CRA) through at least December 16, 2022, with no Federal Fiscal 2023 Budget or DoD budget being in place. Under a CRA, federal spending and its composition is substantially held consistent with the previous year’s budget, with no new contract awards, no increased production or spending on existing programs and no transition from development to production contracts, or from low-rate initial production to full rate production being allowed, all of which may impact Kratos and our current fourth quarter and fiscal 2023 financial expectations. The longer a CRA period is extended, the greater the impact on the industry, our customers and Kratos.
Throughout the third and fourth quarter of 2022, our industry and Kratos continue to experience the effects of continuing supply chain disruptions and significant cost increases and inflation, including on our employees, consultants, subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, customers, etc., and an acute labor shortage of qualified personnel, including those requiring security clearances, to perform on programs and contracts.
We expect this difficult operating environment and its impact on the industry, our operations and our ability to forecast to continue for the foreseeable future. Following is our fourth quarter and revised full year 2022 guidance along with a reconciliation from our full year 2022 guidance provided in August 2022 to our current guidance range.
Management will discuss the Company’s third quarter 2022 financial results, as well as its fourth quarter and full year 2022 guidance on a conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pacific (5:00 p.m. Eastern) today. The call will be available at www.kratosdefense.com. Participants may register for the call using this Online 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) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technologies for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research, and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training and combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.kratosdefense.com.
Notice RegardingForward-LookingStatements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, express or implied statements concerning the Company’s expectations regarding its future financial performance, including the Company’s expectations for its fourth quarter and full year 2022 revenues, R&D, operating income, depreciation, amortization, stock based compensation expense, and Adjusted EBITDA, and full year 2022 operating cash flow, capital expenditures and other investments, and free cash flow use, the Company’s future growth trajectory and ability to achieve improved revenue mix and profit in certain of its business segments and the expected timing of such improved revenue mix and profit, the Company’s expectation of ramp on projects and that investments in its business will result in an increase in the Company’s market share and total addressable market and position the Company for significant future organic growth, profitability, cash flow and an increase in shareholder value, the Company’s bid and proposal pipeline, demand for its products and services, including the Company’s alignment with today’s National Security requirements, ability to successfully compete and expected new customer awards, including the magnitude and timing of funding and the future opportunity associated with such awards, including in the tactical drone and satellite communication areas, performance of key contracts and programs, including the timing of production and demonstration related to certain of the Company’s contracts and product offerings, the impact of the Company’s restructuring efforts and cost reduction measures, including its ability to improve profitability and cash flow in certain business units as a result of these actions and to achieve financial leverage on fixed administrative costs, benefits to be realized from the Company’s net operating loss carry forwards, the availability and timing of government funding for the Company’s offerings, including the strength of the future funding environment, the short-term delays that may occur as a result of Continuing Resolutions or delays in DoD budget approvals, timing of LRIP and full rate production related to the Company’s unmanned aerial target system offerings, as well as the level of recurring revenues expected to be generated by these programs once they achieve full rate production, market and industry developments, and the current estimated impact of COVID-19 and employee absenteeism, supply chain disruptions, availability of an experienced skilled workforce, inflation and increased costs, and delays on our financial projections, industry, business and operations, including projected growth. Such statements are only predictions, and the Company’s actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by these statements. 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 the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Factors that may cause the Company’s results to differ include, but are not limited to: risks to our business and financial results related to the reductions and other spending constraints imposed on the U.S. Government and our other customers, including as a result of sequestration and extended continuing resolutions, the Federal budget deficit and Federal government shut-downs; risks of adverse regulatory action or litigation; risks associated with debt leverage and cost savings and cash flow improvements expected as a result of the refinancing of our Senior Notes; risks that our cost-cutting initiatives will not provide the anticipated benefits; risks that changes, cutbacks or delays in spending by the U.S. DoD may occur, which could cause delays or cancellations of key government contracts; risks of delays to or the cancellation of our projects as a result of protest actions submitted by our competitors; risks that changes may occur in Federal government (or other applicable) procurement laws, regulations, policies and budgets; risks of the availability of government funding for the Company’s products and services due to performance, cost growth, or other factors, changes in government and customer priorities and requirements (including cost-cutting initiatives, the potential deferral of awards, terminations or reduction of expenditures to respond to the priorities of Congress and the Administration, or budgetary cuts resulting from Congressional committee recommendations or automatic sequestration under the Budget Control Act of 2011, as amended); risks that the UAS and UGS markets do not experience significant growth; risks that products we have developed or will develop will become programs of record; risks that we cannot expand our customer base or that our products do not achieve broad acceptance which could impact our ability to achieve our anticipated level of growth; risks of increases in the Federal government initiatives related to in-sourcing; risks related to security breaches, including cyber security attacks and threats or other significant disruptions of our information systems, facilities and infrastructures; risks related to our compliance with applicable contracting and procurement laws, regulations and standards; risks related to the new DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC); risks relating to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine; risks related to contract performance; risks related to failure of our products or services; risks associated with our subcontractors’ or suppliers’ failure to perform their contractual obligations, including the appearance of counterfeit or corrupt parts in our products; changes in the competitive environment (including as a result of bid protests); failure to successfully integrate acquired operations and competition in the marketplace, which could reduce revenues and profit margins; risks that potential future goodwill impairments will adversely affect our operating results; risks that anticipated tax benefits will not be realized in accordance with our expectations; risks that a change in ownership of our stock could cause further limitation to the future utilization of our net operating losses; risks that we may be required to record valuation allowances on our net operating losses which could adversely impact our profitability and financial condition; risks that the current economic environment will adversely impact our business, including with respect to our ability to recruit and retain sufficient numbers of qualified personnel to execute on our programs and contracts, as well as expected contract awards and risks related to increasing interest rates; currently unforeseen risks associated with COVID-19 and risks related to natural disasters or severe weather. These and other risk factors are more fully discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 26, 2021, and in our other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Performance Metrics
This news release contains non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted earnings per share (computed using income from continuing operations before income taxes, excluding income (loss) from discontinued operations, excluding income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest, excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, amortization of capitalized contract and development costs, stock-based compensation expense, acquisition and restructuring related items and other, which includes, but is not limited to, legal related items, non-recoverable rates and costs, and foreign transaction gains and losses, less the estimated impact to income taxes) and including Adjusted EBITDA (which includes net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest and excludes, among other things, losses and gains from discontinued operations, acquisition and restructuring related items, stock compensation expense, foreign transaction gains and losses, and the associated margin rates). Additional non-GAAP financial measures include Free Cash Flow from Operations computed as Cash Flow from Operations less Capital Expenditures and Adjusted EBITDA related to our KUS and KGS businesses. Kratos believes this information is useful to investors because it provides a basis for measuring the Company’s available capital resources, the actual and forecasted operating performance of the Company’s business and the Company’s cash flow, excluding non-recurring items and non-cash items that would normally be included in the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures, along with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, in evaluating the Company’s actual and forecasted operating performance, capital resources and cash flow. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information presented in compliance with GAAP, and investors should carefully evaluate the Company’s financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations to those financial results. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures as reported by the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled amounts reported by other companies. As appropriate, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and information reconciling these non-GAAP financial measures to the Company’s financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP are included in this news release.
Another Performance Metric the Company believes is a key performance indicator in our industry is our Book to Bill Ratio as it provides investors with a measure of the amount of bookings or contract awards as compared to the amount of revenues that have been recorded during the period and provides an indicator of how much of the Company’s backlog is being burned or utilized in a certain period. The Book to Bill Ratio is computed as the number of bookings or contract awards in the period divided by the revenues recorded for the same period. The Company believes that the rolling or last twelve months’ Book to Bill Ratio is meaningful since the timing of quarter-to-quarter bookings can vary.
*The impact to income taxes is calculated by recasting income before income taxes to include the add-backs involved in determining Adjusted income from continuing operations before income taxes and recalculating the income tax provision (benefit), including current and deferred income taxes, using the Adjusted income from continuing operations before income taxes. The recalculation also adjusts for any discrete tax expense, including transaction related expenses and the release of valuation allowance, or benefit related to the add-backs.
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, announced today that it will publish financial results for the third quarter of 2022 after the close of market on Thursday, November 3rd. 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 Online 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) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training, combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.KratosDefense.com.
Key Capabilities, Including Manned-Unmanned Teaming with Manned Fighters, Autonomous Relative Navigation Formation, Multi-User Handoff, Demonstrated by Kratos Platforms
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a release issued under the same headline on Monday, September 19th by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), please note that Eric DeMarco’s title was incorrect. The corrected release follows:
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider and industry-leading provider of high-performance, jet-powered unmanned aerial systems, announced today another recent successful flight from its family of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)—flying and demonstrating capabilities since 2015. Kratos’ family of CCA’s include more than four different aircraft types, with each having been flying for several years, proving, validating, and demonstrating key mission capabilities, as the DoD refines the ultimate range of requirements for the various CCA classes.
All of Kratos’ CCA systems are high subsonic, high maneuverability (high-g) jet aircraft, each optimized for different mission capabilities, with each incorporating stealth and other capabilities to help ensure survivability in today’s contested environment. Kratos’ publicly announced family of CCA systems range from a 350-pound class system to a 6000-pound class system and unrefueled ranges in excess of 3,000 miles.
Kratos rail-launched and runway-independent CCAs are developed to maximize performance per cost rather than being at the exquisite end of the capability and cost level. Therefore, they are ideal for “large mass, high quantity” scenarios and for distributed capability operations, where the loss of any one aircraft has a minimal effect on mission success and a minimal effect on cost of the overall mission. Current and recent conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, have emphasized the validity in the distributed/high mass strategy for today’s battlespace, further supported by the cost equation.
Across a portfolio of internally funded efforts and funded on-contract efforts, Kratos CCAs have flight-demonstrated the following mission capabilities in flights beginning in 2015 and continuing throughout the last seven years:
autonomous self-navigation
autonomous relative navigation, i.e., flying in formation and teaming with manned fighters
in MUM-T mode based on the manned fighter/attack aircraft path
network based encrypted communications
control handoffs between ground operators
airborne operators in the mission area
airborne operators remote from the mission area
Kratos-only autonomy flights
open system high level autonomy control from other providers/standards
collaborative operations with multiple CCAs
collaborative operations with manned systems (MUM-T)
communications relay missions
sub-UAV / loitering munition deployment operation
internal “payload” carriage
external “payload carriage”
weapon system carriage, deployment, and operation
terminal effects/mode delivery including successful target impact
Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, said, “There have been many reports in the recent months/years about the promise of capabilities – such as relative navigation autonomy for MUM-T operations, multiple CCA collaborative missions, control handoffs from multiple users/commanders for a single or group of UAVs/CCAs – demonstrated through UAV system simulations across the industry. Notably, each of these critical capabilities have previously been actually flight demonstrated and proven with the Kratos CCAs, beginning in 2015. Our aircraft have operated in actual flight—being controlled from, flown in formation using relative navigation based on the manned assets, and flown in coordination with F-16s, AV8-Bs, F-35s, F-22s, T-38s, CRJs, and other manned, as well as unmanned, assets.”
Mr. Fendley continued, “Kratos’ systems include inner loop and outer loop autonomy up through elements of level 4 with Kratos baseline software. The Kratos software includes open architecture interfaces to enable control from systems including the Government Reference Architecture Skyborg ACS, for example. All of these have been flight demonstrated on our CCAs with the Kratos baseline autonomy providing the foundation capability. Our continued internal and on-contract work is focused on supporting the DoD in closing on the final requirement sets for the wide range of mission applications and on having field ready systems, which have been flight proven even before the ultimate capability requirements and programs have been published.”
Mr. Fendley concluded, “The DoD has reported consistently, especially in the last several months, that runway independence and the ability to operate from multiple non-large base locations is a critical enabler for our military’s successful operations in the most critical enemy threat scenarios. The DoD has also reported consistently that large quantities or a mass of CCAs are the game-changer for success in the wargames and threat analyses. Other characteristics/capabilities which are significant enablers for mission success in these engagements/missions include a level of survivability through signature, speed, and maneuverability, plus range and endurance in substantial excess of today’s fighters, and finally, affordability based on both the mass analyses and cost trade conflict equation. Kratos’ systems have been designed specifically in response to each of these fundamentals, all which support the wargame analysis keys to success.”
Eric DeMarco, Kratos’ President & CEO, said, “At Kratos we have always been committed to ‘designed and built in the USA’, supporting the American worker, family, industrial base and our Country. As evidenced by the pandemic, supporting and strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base at all tiers is a critical key to the defense of our Nation overall. As part of this mission, Kratos develops and demonstrates complete capabilities with actual hardware, actual software, and actual systems. Proving capabilities within the challenging uncrewed aircraft arena can and will ever only be confirmed through actual flight—not simulations.”
Mr. DeMarco continued, “By progressing to actual flight and actual demonstration with high capability-per-cost, yet affordable, systems faster than traditional and conventional platform providers can achieve, Kratos is changing the status quo. We believe in being disruptive and are investing our own resources at an industry-leading, unmatched rate to ensure the warfighter has increased capabilities sooner for less cost. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we will remain fully committed to this approach, including American designed, sourced, and built systems, which I am confident, especially based on the current and rapidly increasing threat environment, combined with the current financial and budget realities, is the right answer for our warfighter and for the United States overall.”
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research, and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, small to mid-sized jet engines and technology, training, and combat systems. For more information go to www.KratosDefense.com.
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 26, 2021, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
Nomination is in the Outstanding Immersive Technology Category
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, announced today that it has been named a finalist in Halldale Group’s 2022 Military Simulation and Training Awards. The award nomination reinforces Kratos’ leadership in the application of advanced immersive technologies to enhance military training.
Named in the Outstanding A/M/V/XR Application category Kratos was nominated for the Mixed Reality (MR) Mission Readiness Training (MRT) system it developed and fielded for Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC). MRT is a turn-key solution that enables aircrews to train in a containerized immersive environment consisting of a UH-1N Aircraft Simulator, Ground Party Simulator and Instructor Operator Station. The Aircraft Simulator is a high-fidelity replication of the cockpit, rear cabin, and simulated crew-served weapons enclosed in a Kratos mixed reality Holodeck.
The Ground Party Simulator, also a containerized immersive environment, is fully integrated with the Aircraft Simulator, enabling ground forces to seamlessly join the collective training mission with their aircrews just as they would engage together in real combat situations. With full mission rehearsal capability, the MRT system has doubled combat mission readiness rates and is certified for both qualification and currency training of AFGSC security forces.
Commenting on being named a finalist in MS&T’s prestigious annual awards program, Jose Diaz, Sr. Vice President, Kratos Training Solutions, said that: “Making immersive technology a key awards category reflects the transformative impact this technology is having on military training. Kratos is pleased to be in the vanguard of this training evolution.”
Halldale Group’s MS&T Magazine’s Simulation and Training Awards Program showcases the people, products, processes, and organizations that provide exceptional value to its military clients. Many metrics are used to describe value, but the underlying principle is that value ultimately resides in how well clients are enabled to achieve their goals. Value is about outcomes and is often expressed in terms of change in areas such as resource use, effectiveness, efficiency, time, access, readiness or even capability.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training, combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.KratosDefense.com.
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 26, 2021, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider and industry-leading provider of high-performance, jet-powered unmanned aerial systems, announced today that its Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems unit has received a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract award for $14,748,648 from the U.S. Navy for five year ordering period to continue software maintenance and updates of the BQM-177A Subsonic Aerial Targets (SSAT).
Steve Fendley, President of the Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, said, “This award provides the foundation to continue our work with the Navy, maturing and evolving the SSAT aircraft on pace with the threat environment. This enables us to collectively provide the training to stress and exercise our fleet prior to their deployments to increasingly challenging theaters of operation, ultimately strengthening our nation’s defense and helping protect the warfighter. Consistent with our corporate motto, we continue our trend to be ready for what’s next.”
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research, and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training, combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.KratosDefense.com.
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 26, 2021, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
