This article is based on an official press release from Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman and Kratos Selected for USMC MUX TACAIR Program

Northrop Grumman has been competitively awarded a contracts by the U.S. Marine Corps to develop the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft (MUX TACAIR). The project, formally classified as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiative, aims to field a sophisticated “loyal wingman” system capable of operating in high-threat environments alongside manned fighters.

Announced on January 8, 2026, the agreement positions Northrop Grumman as the prime contractor with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions serving as the key subcontractor. The team will integrate Northrop’s advanced mission systems into the flight-proven Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie airframe. This “best of breed” strategy is designed to accelerate the deployment of automation systems for the Marine Corps.

According to the announcement, the initial period of performance is set for 24 months with a contract value of approximately $231.5 million. The program’s primary objective is to rapidly develop, integrate, and field an uncrewed aircraft system (UAV) that meets the Marine Corps’ unique requirements for expeditionary operations.

Integrating “Prism” with the Valkyrie Airframe

The partnerships leverages the specific strengths of both defense firms. Northrop Grumman will act as the Lead Systems Integrator, providing the “Advanced Mission Kit.” This package includes sensors, communications, and software-defined technologies driven by “Prism,” Northrop’s proprietary autonomy software.

Kratos Defense will supply the XQ-58A Valkyrie, a stealthy, high-performance uncrewed aerial system that has already demonstrated its capabilities in flight. By utilizing an existing airframe, the team aims to bypass the long lead times associated with clean-sheet aircraft designs.

The Role of Software-Defined Autonomy

Northrop Grumman’s “Prism” software is central to the program’s adaptability. Described as an open-architecture system, Prism allows for the rapid integration of third-party modules or “apps.” This plug-and-play capability ensures that the Marine Corps can swap mission profiles, switching from electronic warfare to surveillance, for example, without needing to rewrite core flight code.

In a statement regarding the award, Krys Moen, Vice President at Northrop Grumman, emphasized the speed and reduced risk of this approach:

“This partnership offers a low risk, expedited path to mission capability. Combining a proven airframe with our proven mission systems avoids the delays inherent in a clean-sheet design.”

Strategic Capabilities for Expeditionary Warfare

The MUX TACAIR program is closely aligned with the U.S. Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 strategy, which prioritizes dispersed operations and “Stand-in Forces” in the Indo-Pacific region. A critical requirement for this program is runway independence.

The XQ-58A Valkyrie is designed to be launched via rocket assist from a rail system, which can be mounted on trucks or ships, and recovered via parachute. This capability eliminates reliance on traditional airfields, which are viewed as vulnerable static targets in modern conflict scenarios. The aircraft boasts high-subsonic speeds of approximately Mach 0.85 and a range exceeding 3,000 nautical miles, allowing it to serve as a forward sensor node or “quarterback” that relays targeting data to F-35s and ground units.

Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems, highlighted the economic and operational advantages of the platform:

“The integration results in a high-capability CCA at a price point that enables the uncrewed systems to be deployed in mass.”

Program Timeline and Future Development

The immediate 24-month contract period will focus on integrating the Northrop mission kit into the Valkyrie airframe and conducting a series of flight tests. The program is structured around a “spiral” development model, where capabilities are added incrementally. Initial operational focuses are expected to include surveillance and electronic warfare, with lethal strike capabilities planned as the autonomy software matures.

The ultimate operational goal is to field a capability that can be deployed with Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) before the end of the decade, providing organic air support that does not require large aircraft carriers.

AirPro News Analysis

The selection of the Kratos Valkyrie for the MUX TACAIR program underscores a significant divergence between Air Force and Marine Corps acquisition strategies for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). While the U.S. Air Force has largely focused on runway-dependent systems for its CCA increments, the Marine Corps has remained steadfast in its requirement for runway independence.

By choosing a rail-launched, parachute-recoverable system, the USMC is effectively future-proofing its air support against runway denial tactics. Furthermore, the “attritable” nature of the Valkyrie, meaning it is low-cost enough to be lost in combat without catastrophic financial or strategic impact, aligns perfectly with the need for mass in contested environments. This contract validates the industry’s shift toward separating the airframe commodity from the high-value software and sensor packages, a trend that is likely to define the next generation of uncrewed military-aircraft aviation.

Sources

• Northrop Grumman

This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin Demonstrates Cross-Border Autonomy with MDCX and Vigilance Integration

On January 8, 2026, Lockheed Martin successfully completed a live demonstration of its advanced command and control (C2) capabilities at the Predannack National Drone Hub in Cornwall, United Kingdom. The event highlighted the integration of U.S. and U.K. defense technologies, specifically pairing the U.S.-developed Multi-Domain Combat System (MDCX™) with the U.K.-developed Vigilance mission system.

According to the company’s announcement, the demonstration proved that a single operator could simultaneously manage multiple classes of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) within a secure, multi-domain environment. This achievement marks a significant step in coalition interoperability, offering a “suite of capability” designed to be exportable to international allies while maintaining high security standards.

Operational Details and Systems Integration

The demonstration featured a scenario where the MDCX™ autonomy platform commanded two distinct types of drones: the Indago 2 quadcopter (Group 1) and the Stalker fixed-wing UAS (Group 2). While MDCX managed the flight autonomy and mission planning, the Vigilance system handled sensor data fusion.

Lockheed Martin described the technical breakdown of the systems involved:

• MDCX™ (Multi-Domain Combat System): Developed by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®, this platform utilizes Open Mission Systems (OMS) and Universal Command & Control Interface (UCI) standards. It allows for the management of heterogeneous vehicles, reducing the cognitive load on human operators.
• Vigilance: Developed by Lockheed Martin UK, this software-defined system evolved from mission systems used on the Royal Navy’s Merlin Mk2 helicopters. During the demo, it fused real-time drone data with synthetic feeds to generate a comprehensive battlefield picture.

In a specific test of mission capability, the Indago 2 drone utilized a Software Defined Radio Payload to re-broadcast sonobuoy data, simulating an anti-submarine warfare mission managed by the integrated systems.

Lockheed Martin successfully completed a live demo of its ‘suite of capability’ for uncrewed system command and control featuring the MDCX™ and Vigilance.

— Lockheed Martin Press Release

AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Implications for Defense Exports

This demonstration addresses a longstanding friction point in international defense acquisitions: the balance between purchasing advanced U.S. platforms and maintaining sovereign control over mission data. By integrating the U.K.-sovereign Vigilance Software with the U.S. MDCX architecture, Lockheed Martin is validating a modular approach to defense sales.

We observe that this “Open Architecture” model aligns with the U.S. Department of Defense’s vision for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). Rather than relying on proprietary, closed-loop systems, the industry is shifting toward modularity that allows allies to plug domestic sensor algorithms into U.S. operating systems.

Furthermore, the specific platforms used in this demonstration, Stalker and Indago, are directly relevant to the British Army’s “TIQUILA” program. Awarded to Lockheed Martin UK in late 2022, the £129 million TIQUILA contract focuses on providing uncrewed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. This successful integration suggests a pathway for enhancing those existing assets with advanced autonomy and cross-domain connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the “Marsupial” concept mentioned in related reports?
While this specific demonstration focused on simultaneous control of separate assets, the underlying architecture supports “marsupial” operations, where larger drones launch and recover smaller uncrewed systems. This capability is increasingly relevant for extending the range and survivability of ISR assets in contested environments.

How does this technology handle security between nations?
The system utilizes a Multi-Level Security (MLS) architecture. This design allows data to be shared securely between U.S. and allied networks, overcoming technical barriers that have historically complicated coalition warfare and data sharing.

Sources

• Lockheed Martin

This article is based on official press releases and public reporting from Marshall and Lockheed Martin.

Marshall Cements Status as Global Authority on C-130 Hercules MRO

As of January 2026, Marshall (formerly Marshall Aerospace) has solidified its position as the world’s leading independent authority on the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. With a partnership spanning more than half a century and a recent designation as the only global Center of Excellence for critical structural modifications, the company has become a linchpin in the logistics network of 17 government fleet operators worldwide.

Recent developments from 2024 through late 2025 have seen the company expand its footprint significantly, particularly in North America and the Middle East. By securing major contracts with the Turkish Ministry of National Defence and operationalizing a new facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, Marshall has demonstrated its capacity to support both legacy and Super Hercules fleets with unrivaled technical expertise.

Unrivaled Industry Standing

Marshall’s relationship with the C-130 platform dates back to 1966, shortly after the Royal Air Force (RAF) took delivery of its first aircraft. Over the decades, the company has accrued a unique set of accreditations from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Lockheed Martin.

According to company data, Marshall holds the distinction of being the first authorized Hercules Service Center (HSC) for legacy models and the first Heavy Maintenance Center (HMC) for the modern C-130J Super Hercules. In a landmark achievement in November 2024, Lockheed Martin officially recognized Marshall as the world’s first authorized Center of Excellence for Center Wing Box (CWB) replacements.

“Recognising Marshall as the first Lockheed Martin-approved Centre of Excellence for its work leading the C-130 centre wing box replacement programme is a natural choice… Marshall is a vital part of the C-130 Hercules community.”

, Rod McLean, VP at Lockheed Martin (2024)

Technical Capabilities: “Aerospace Surgery”

Marshall’s capabilities extend well beyond standard maintenance, encompassing complex structural modifications often described as “aerospace surgery.” The most notable of these is the Center Wing Box (CWB) replacement, a procedure likened to spinal surgery for the aircraft.

Center Wing Box Replacements

The CWB is the primary structure connecting the wings to the fuselage. Replacing it is one of the most complex engineering tasks associated with the C-130. Marshall is currently the only organization globally, outside of Lockheed Martin’s own U.S. facilities, authorized to perform these replacements on the C-130J.

Data indicates that as of late 2025, Marshall had completed nearly 80 CWB replacements across both legacy and J-model aircraft. This capability was highlighted when “Fat Albert,” the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ iconic C-130J, returned to Marshall in late 2025 for this specific structural life-extension procedure.

Avionics and Manufacturing

In addition to structural work, Marshall has advanced its avionics modernization programs. Recent projects include bespoke navigation upgrades for the Austrian Air Force, completed in late 2024, and similar integrations for the French Air Force. These upgrades typically involve replacing analog systems with modern Flight Management Systems (FMS) and GPS landing capabilities.

Furthermore, the company holds a unique “authority to manufacture” from Lockheed Martin. To mitigate global supply chain delays, Marshall manufactured over 2,000 parts in 2024 alone, ensuring that maintenance schedules remained on track.

Strategic Expansion (2024–2026)

The last two years have marked a period of aggressive geographic expansion and contract acquisition for Marshall.

North American Growth

In 2025, the company fully operationalized its new maintenance facility in Greensboro, North Carolina. This site was established primarily to service the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) fleet of KC-130J tankers under a 10-year contract originally awarded in 2020. As of July 2025, reports show that Marshall had worked on 42 different USMC aircraft and manufactured over 1,500 parts specifically for that fleet.

New International Contracts

Marshall has also strengthened its presence in Europe and Asia:

• Turkey: In October 2025, the company secured a multi-year contract with the Turkish Ministry of National Defence to support its newly acquired C-130J fleet, covering entry-into-service and sustainment.
• India: Marshall was awarded a contract to perform 12-year heavy maintenance inspections for the Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules fleet.

AirPro News Analysis

The consolidation of C-130 MRO capabilities under Marshall highlights a critical trend in defense logistics: the reliance on specialized independent contractors to extend the life of aging airframes. With the C-130 remaining the “world’s workhorse,” the ability to perform heavy structural modifications like CWB replacements outside of the OEM’s primary facilities is essential for maintaining global fleet readiness. Marshall’s “authority to manufacture” also suggests that decentralized supply chains are becoming a priority for defense contractors seeking to insulate themselves from global logistics disruptions.

Operational Statistics

Marshall’s operational volume reflects its central role in the global defense sector. In 2024, the company completed nearly 30,000 MRO tasks, totaling over 442,000 hours of aircraft work. Through its various life-extension programs, Marshall estimates it has added over 1,600 collective years to the lifespan of the global C-130 fleet.

“Our unique approvals allow us to de-risk maintenance and ensure predictable turnaround times for military operators.”

, Gareth Williams, COO at Marshall

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Center Wing Box (CWB) replacement?
The CWB is the structural core connecting the wings to the fuselage. Replacing it is a major structural repair that significantly extends the operational life of the aircraft. Marshall is the only independent facility authorized to perform this on the C-130J.

Which air forces does Marshall support?
Marshall supports 17 government fleet operators, including the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy (Blue Angels), UK Royal Air Force (historically), and air forces from Austria, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, India, Turkey, and Bangladesh.

Where are Marshall’s facilities located?
Marshall is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, and recently operationalized a major facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, to support North American customers.

Sources: Marshall Group