US defence technology company Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has secured contracts worth more than $100 million to develop prototype space intelligence and cyber capabilities for military applications.
Announced on 5 October 2026, the awards cover technologies designed to collect, process and analyse radio frequency signals in support of joint military operations.
The work will support intelligence gathering, electronic warfare and cyber-related mission requirements, with an emphasis on improving the availability of information across the space and cyber domains.
Kratos will draw on its existing satellite monitoring infrastructure, signal processing technology and software capabilities to develop the prototype systems.
Developing RF intelligence capabilities
The contracts will support the development of applications capable of collecting and processing complex radio frequency information.
These systems are intended to help military operators understand activity within the electromagnetic environment and provide information relevant to operational planning.
The work will also support the joint targeting process, including the identification, prioritisation and assessment of potential targets.
Kratos says the prototype capabilities will support electronic warfare and offensive cyber operations, including activities associated with access and battle damage assessment.
A significant component of the programme is the company’s KnownSpace Network.
The network includes more than 190 strategically located radio frequency sensors, providing persistent signal monitoring and geolocation capabilities.
Kratos will also use its KnownSpace Recon+ equipment, which provides deployable space domain awareness capabilities.
These field-portable terminals are intended to extend the availability of RF monitoring and analysis technology beyond fixed installations.
The combination of geographically distributed sensors, portable equipment and associated software will provide a foundation for developing the new mission applications.
Kratos will also draw on its existing experience in cybersecurity, satellite operations and signal processing.
The company has not disclosed the customers involved or the individual values and delivery schedules of the contracts.
Implications for military space procurement
The awards demonstrate the increasing importance of commercially developed monitoring infrastructure within military space and cyber operations.
For defence procurement organisations, access to distributed RF intelligence capabilities could support improved awareness of satellite activity and the wider electromagnetic environment.
Systems that combine fixed monitoring networks with deployable equipment may also offer greater flexibility than infrastructure limited to permanent installations.
However, acquisition authorities will need to consider data security, intelligence integration, operational availability and the resilience of communications between deployed sensors and command facilities.
Another important consideration is the distinction between established monitoring technology and new prototype military applications.
While Kratos already operates its KnownSpace infrastructure, the newly contracted capabilities will require further development and evaluation before their operational suitability can be established.
The contracts illustrate how defence technology manufacturers are combining existing commercial infrastructure with specialist military software requirements.
For procurement teams, this approach could provide opportunities to incorporate established technologies into future intelligence and electronic warfare programmes while maintaining appropriate security and performance standards.
