Kratos Defense & Security: A Transatlantic Enabler of European Defense Autonomy

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is a U.S.-based defense technology company that has quietly emerged as a significant player in Europe’s quest for cutting-edge military capabilities. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Kratos specializes in unmanned systems, space infrastructure, and other advanced defense technologies. Its innovations—ranging from stealth drones to satellite communication networks—are attracting interest across NATO allies and European defense circles. In an era when Europe is striving for greater strategic autonomy and reduced reliance on non-allied suppliers, Kratos offers a fascinating case study. The company’s high-performance yet cost-effective systems have been proving their value in real-world allied operations, including major NATO exercises[1][2]. Moreover, recent transatlantic partnerships suggest that Kratos is willing to tailor its U.S.-developed technologies for European needs, potentially accelerating the continent’s defense modernization. This report delves into Kratos’s corporate profile, technological portfolio, and strategic alignment with European autonomy objectives. It explores how an American mid-tier defense firm positions itself within EU and NATO frameworks, and evaluates whether Kratos’s offerings strengthen Europe’s deterrence and supply chain resilience or create new dependencies. The analysis provides an objective, in-depth look at Kratos through a European strategic lens, uncovering both its contributions and the gaps that remain in EU defense capabilities.