United States tests Kratos Thanatos stealth drone for autonomous strike and intelligence-gathering missions.

On December 11, 2024, the US company Kratos Defense and Security Solutions announced the successful first flight of its Thanatos stealth Uncrewed Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) prototype. The exact date and location of the test have not been disclosed, but the company confirmed that it took place within the last few months. The flight validated the basic aerodynamic design of the platform, marking a step toward full system integration and further operational testing, possibly for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike operations.
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The Kratos Thanatos is a stealth drone that recently completed its first flight, and the prototype's tailless diamond-shaped wing, recessed exhaust, and blended inlets indicate its focus on reduced radar and infrared visibility. (Picture source: Kratos)

The Thanatos program has been under development since at least 2019, with its existence publicly acknowledged in November 2023 when Kratos released a computer-generated visualization of the design. The prototype's tailless diamond-shaped wing, recessed exhaust, and blended inlets indicate its focus on reduced radar and infrared visibility. These features suggest an emphasis on low observability and adaptability in contested environments. The company has described the successful test as demonstrating the platform's aerodynamic viability, paving the way for additional tests of integrated systems and operational capabilities.

This stealth Uncrewed Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) is intended for high-risk missions typically performed by crewed aircraft, potentially reducing personnel exposure in combat scenarios. Potential roles include reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike operations. Thanatos is expected to integrate artificial intelligence to enable autonomous or semi-autonomous functionality, though the extent of these capabilities has not yet been detailed. Kratos has suggested that the final system will operate with advanced autonomy, consistent with ongoing developments in uncrewed technologies.

Kratos has indicated that it is pursuing a contract for Thanatos with an undisclosed customer. While the company has not confirmed its client, the U.S. Air Force has been widely speculated as a likely operator due to the appearance of its designation in early visualizations. This aligns with the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which envisions deploying a large fleet of autonomous drones in coordination with crewed platforms. The CCA program’s goals include enhancing mission effectiveness through distributed operations, with roles for uncrewed systems ranging from additional sensing and electronic warfare to weapon delivery.

The design and objectives of Thanatos are consistent with the Department of Defense’s broader push for runway-independent, scalable, and cost-efficient uncrewed systems. Kratos has previous experience in this domain, particularly with the XQ-58A Valkyrie, which has been tested for multiple operational missions, including data-sharing with crewed platforms during recent military exercises. The Valkyrie’s ability to launch without conventional runways has been described as relevant for distributed operations, and while it is unclear whether Thanatos will share this capability, Kratos continues to refine its approach to autonomous system deployment.

The company’s emphasis on manufacturing feasibility is also evident. Kratos has explored large-scale production capabilities for its drone systems, including the development of propulsion solutions in collaboration with GE Aerospace. A scalable production approach may play a role in enabling higher unit volumes if Thanatos is adopted for programs requiring larger fleets, such as the Air Force’s projected acquisition of 1,000 uncrewed combat aircraft.

Although the specific capabilities and mission profile of Thanatos remain classified, its development appears to align with strategic objectives such as force multiplication, distributed operations, and the ability to operate in high-threat environments. As Kratos continues testing and integration, further information on the platform’s systems and potential operational roles may emerge, particularly if it secures a contract under the CCA program or similar initiatives. The next phases of development are expected to involve testing payload capacities, validating AI systems, and completing operational evaluations.