U.S. drone maker Kratos pushes into European market through Airbus partnership in Germany

Macquarie Research initiated coverage on six US aerospace & defense companies with Outperform ratings, citing a multi-year investment cycle. Target prices: AeroVironment $210 (59.7% upside), CACI $780 (27.0%), FTAI $305 (84.3%), Intuitive Machines $25 (94.4%), Karman $65 (103.9%), Kratos $70 (68.2%). The sector is supported by increased defense spending and technological innovation.

Macquarie analyst Lysaght highlights AeroVironment (AV) and Kratos Defense (KTOS) as strong defense stocks. AV, with a $210 price target (72% upside), focuses on drone tech and secured a $99.8M Air Force contract. KTOS, with a $70 target (73% upside), advances in unmanned systems and hypersonics. Both reported recent revenue beats.

Kratos, a California-based defense company, announced the first European flight test of its U740 Valkyrie combat drone, developed with Airbus for German and European forces. The drone met all test goals, including takeoff, maneuvers, and in-flight adjustments. Kratos also tested its TDI-J85 engine for various applications, with plans to scale production to 10,000 engines annually by 2029.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) reported successful flight tests of its J85 turbojet engine in various configurations. The company ordered components for 3,000 engines, with production slated for 2027. The Spartan engine facility can produce up to 10,000 engines annually by 2029. The J85 engine is designed for defense applications, including cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) announced successful flight tests of its J85 turbojet engine, which is now production-ready. The company has a 3,000-engine component order for 2027 and aims to produce 10,000+ engines annually by 2029. The J85 is designed for use in low-cost cruise missiles, decoys, and unmanned aerial systems, with high reliability and efficiency. Kratos is scaling up production to meet rising defense demand, with a fully operational manufacturing facility.

Airbus and Kratos completed the first European flight of the U740-Valkyrie uncrewed aircraft, achieving all objectives. The test demonstrated rocket-assisted takeoff, high-speed maneuvers, and in-flight parameter adjustments. The companies aim to deliver a combat-ready Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) by 2029, combining Kratos' Valkyrie platform with Airbus' MARS mission system. The project targets affordability and autonomy for European military operators.