Pentagon Invests in Hypersonic Technology Initiative With Kratos

The Pentagon has awarded Kratos a staggering $1.45 billion contract to propel the MACH-TB 2.0 hypersonic technology forward, a development sure to ripple through the defense industry.

At a Glance

Kratos has won a $1.45 billion Pentagon contract for MACH-TB 2.0.
The program advances U.S. hypersonic capabilities.
Contracts seek to address competition from China and Russia.
The initiative contributes to future defense growth.

Pentagon’s Strategic Investment

The Department of Defense awarded Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. a five-year contract for up to $1.45 billion. This contract is part of the MACH-TB 2.0 program, under the National Hypersonic Initiative 2.0. The initiative seeks to enhance the United States’ hypersonic testing capabilities, bridging the gap from ground assessments to full system evaluations.

The MACH-TB 2.0 aims to streamline development timelines, crucial for reducing the hypersonic weapons gap with countries like Russia and China. Kratos, serving as the prime contractor for Task Area 1, will lead systems engineering, integration, and testing to manage the program effectively.

Through MACH-TB 2.0, the Pentagon wants to significantly increase the number of hypersonic test flights. https://t.co/xtuc2fAqiI

— Defense News (@defense_news) January 7, 2025

Enhancing National Defense

The United States is pushing forward in hypersonic weapons development to counter foreign influences. Kratos will develop and test subscale and full-scale hypersonic systems, supported by key partners such as Rocket Lab, Leidos, and Stratolaunch. This collaboration aims to boost test capabilities while reducing costs.

“We are honored to be selected to be part of the MACH-TB 2.0 integrated team. The nation is at a critical point in the need for rapid and affordable hypersonic flight testing to quickly develop and field hypersonic technologies and the MACH-TB program is filling that need,” Michael Johns, Senior Vice President of Kratos SRE, stated.

The MACH-TB introduces advanced flying testbeds, allowing the evaluation of hypersonic subsystems at speeds exceeding Mach 5. Such technologies offer unrivaled maneuverability and interception challenges, vital for modern warfare advancements.

A Competitive Frontier

Hypersonic weapons development is essential as the U.S. races to match rivals already operational in this field. Kratos’ contract, the largest in its history, is pivotal in realizing its growth and contributing to national security.

By addressing current limitations and increasing testing capacities, the MACH-TB 2.0 initiative plays an integral role in accelerating the deployment of hypersonic capabilities. This strategic investment underscores the U.S.’s commitment to maintaining its defensive edge on the global stage.