Defense contractor’s budget-busting missile offers 500-nautical-mile strike range at fraction of normal cost as Marine Corps eyes drone-launched weapons for future Pacific operations
Defense contractor Kratos has revealed its Ragnarök air-launched cruise missile, a weapon system designed to deliver long-range strike capabilities at a fraction of traditional costs.
The missile, which can reach targets up to 500 nautical miles away while carrying an 80-pound warhead, was showcased alongside Kratos’s XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned aircraft during the recent air show at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
Company officials positioned the weapon as a budget-conscious solution for modern warfare requirements. At $150,000 per unit when purchased in batches of 100, the Ragnarök costs significantly less than conventional cruise missiles.
“The Ragnarök [low-cost cruise missile] represents our commitment to developing high-performance strike systems, for Valkyrie, that meet the evolving needs of today’s warfighter in conjunction with the budget realities that dictate what systems ultimately make it to the field,” said Steve Fendley, president of Kratos Unmanned Systems.
The missile features a carbon composite construction and incorporates folding wings for efficient storage and transportation. Display models at the air show demonstrated the weapon’s versatility, showing configurations both inside the Valkyrie’s internal weapons bay and attached to external pylons.
Kratos reported the missile has moved beyond initial development stages and stands ready for production orders.
The announcement comes amid reports that the U.S. Marine Corps intends to acquire the XQ-58A platform. During an Aug. 7 earnings call, Kratos CEO Eric DeMarco acknowledged awareness of the reports without providing confirmation.
The potential Marine Corps interest aligns with the service’s Force Design 2030 initiative, which emphasizes enhanced long-range precision strike capabilities. The 925-kilometer range of the Ragnarök would provide Marines with extended reach in contested environments.
The Valkyrie, which serves as the primary launch platform for the new missile, operates as an unmanned collaborative combat aircraft designed to work alongside crewed fighters.
Key Takeaways
- Kratos’s Ragnarök cruise missile offers 500-nautical-mile strike range at $150,000 per unit, significantly undercutting traditional cruise missile costs.
- The carbon-composite weapon carries an 80-pound warhead and features folding wings for the XQ-58A Valkyrie’s internal bay or external mounting.
- Production-ready missile arrives as Marine Corps reportedly considers acquiring the Valkyrie platform.
- System aligns with Marine Corps Force Design 2030 modernization effort emphasizing long-range precision strike capabilities.
