Elroy Air names Kratos exclusive U.S. manufacturer for Chaparral
Elroy Air selected Kratos as exclusive U.S. manufacturing partner for Chaparral under a five-year agreement aimed at high-volume production.
Why it matters
The agreement connects a cargo-drone startup to an established UAS manufacturer and gives the Chaparral program a clearer production path, including named facilities and a planned 2026 production start.
Evidence notes
- A five-year strategic manufacturing agreement names Kratos as exclusive U.S. manufacturing partner for the Chaparral cargo drone.
- The agreement is framed around expected high-volume production of the hybrid-electric autonomous VTOL cargo drone.
- Initial production is planned for Kratos Sacramento, with later high-rate production in Oklahoma City and first production Chaparral aircraft planned for 2026.
Company context
Elroy Air builds Chaparral, an autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL cargo aircraft for middle-mile logistics, military resupply, humanitarian aid and rapid-response missions.