Kratos Defense & Security Solutions announced that it completed a coast-to-coast driverless trucking mission, with the truck following a driver-operated tractor-trailer. The military weapons manufacturer, headquartered in San Diego, California, stated that this tandem method is another viable path to advancing autonomous technology in commercial applications.

To demonstrate its solution, Kratos partnered with NASCAR event logistics provider Champion Tire & Wheel, using a round-trip route across the United States. A Kratos spokesperson told Trucking Dive via email that the route was expected to cover approximately 6,000 miles, running from June 12 to June 26.

The mission aimed to prove that Kratos' military systems, including autonomous vehicles, are also suitable for long-haul logistics operations. Completing the coast-to-coast trip demonstrated "scalable execution," Kratos Vice President of Business Development Maynard Factor said in a June 17press release.

"Our autonomous follower tractor-trailer successfully completed coast-to-coast logistics transport, proving that platooning technology can safely improve efficiency, expand freight capacity, and help alleviate the ongoing driver shortage," Factor said.

This is the second time Kratos has used its platooning method to transport racing equipment. Last year, the companycompleted a 200-mile, one-way routefrom the Columbus, Ohio area to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

When transporting supplies for NASCAR events, Kratos' manned tractor was followed by an autonomous truck with a safety driver on board, carrying equipment for the Anduril 250 race team participating in the event on June 21 at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. The full convoy route started at Kratos' facility in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, then went to Champion's location in Cornelius, North Carolina, then to San Diego, with the truck expected to return to Florida on June 26.

A Kratos spokesperson said the trucks averaged about 10 hours of driving per day, with planned stops at designated locations for refueling, inspections, and rest.

Kratos' system uses a manned truck that electronically connects to a following autonomous truck. The platooning process allows the lead driver to control the speed and direction of the autonomous truck.

Kratos said its platooning method enables one driver to support multiple vehicles, providing a path to improve efficiency and expand the use of autonomous technology in commercial transportation and defense logistics.

Kratos operates in a field where several companies are also seeking to advance the commercial deployment of autonomous trucking technology.

Volvo Autonomous Solutions, using technology developed by Aurora Innovation, expects to remove safety drivers in the first quarter of 2027 and achieve fully driverless operations on U.S. highways. Einride, which became apublicly traded companyearlier this month, is working to scale its autonomous technology.

Kodiak AI also plans to launchlong-haul driverless trucksthis year, following the start ofcommercial autonomous operations。

on private roads in the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico. Meanwhile, Aurora Innovation is also deploying its technology through other carrier partners, includingHirschbach Motor Lines. The refrigerated transport company has expanded its partnership with Aurora and now expects to have 500 trucks operated by the technology company's systems.