Kestrel Mk II
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The Kestrel Mk II is a small combat ship produced by Core Dynamics. Designed with maximum agility in mind, the Kestrel is the most maneuverable ship currently available for purchase.[1] Early access purchase with ARX began on the 24th of February, 2026.[2][3] It is estimated to become purchasable with credits for all Odyssey owners, approximately 3 months after release.[2]
The Kestrel is a purpose-built combat fighter engineered for speed, agility and lethal efficiency. Its compact frame and high-thrust maneuverability make it exceptionally effective in close-combat, interception, and rapid strike operations. The ship's sharper handling and turn of speed is also complemented with its ability to handle supercharged FSDs. In the hands of a skilled fighter pilot the Kestrel will prove itself to be unmatched.
— In-Game Description
Overview
The Kestrel Mk II is an extremely agile fighter developed by Core Dynamics for the Federal Navy, intended to replace the aging fleet of Vultures, and counter Gutamaya's new Corsairs.
The Mk II is a reimagining of the original Kestrel Airfighter of Frontier: Elite II. The Kestrel was derived from an atmospheric fighter and featured high marks for acceleration. It was often used as a fast courier or, in large numbers, a planetary attack craft. The second ancestor is the Eagle, because it has the same 1 pilot cockpit.
The weapon hardpoints are located as follows: two class 1 hardpoints in front of the cockpit, one class 3 hardpoint above and behind the cockpit and two side-mounted class 3 hardpoints under the lower wings.
Core Dynamics, used its own composites, made it expensive, highly maneuverable, and capacious. However, this came at the expense of hull thickness and durability, which was a positive tradeoff. Its armor rating is 126. The size 5 maneuvering thrusters are repurposed from drones, although the Kestrel's thrusters only rotate slightly. Federation ships are known for their massive firepower, and the Kestrel Mk II has three large and two small slots. The power system consists of a size 5 Power Plant and a size 5 Power Distributor. The ship is adapted for overcharge and is equipped with a size 4 FSD drive. The size 2 Sensors and size 1 Life Support were trimmed to meet market demand for lighter weight. External equipment consists of four slots, while internal additional equipment consists of three size 2 slots, one each of size 5, size 3, and size 1, and two size 4 slots, one of which is a Fighter Hangar.
The Kestrel Mk II continues the series of ships featuring unique modules available only to the Mk II. On the Kestrel Mk II, these are presented as the new "Mk II Maneuvering Thrusters" (not to be confused with the Mk II Gravity-enabled Maneuvering Thrusters for the Caspian Explorer), and a new weapon—the "Plasma Shock Accelerator Mk II" (abbreviated to PShA), which is similar in operation and functionality to a standard Shock Cannon, but fires Plasma Slugs from the fuel tank, similar to the experimental "Plasma Railgun" effect. According to initial tests,[4] the PShA has 100% absolute damage, unlike classic plasma accelerators, which deal only 60% absolute damage, 20% kinetic damage, and 20% thermal damage. This means that the Kestrel simply ignores any resistance with its unique weapon. However, the PShA significantly heats up the ship when fired intensively over several volleys.
Capabilities
Combat
The new engines give it tremendous maneuverability. Many players note that it's too maneuverable, and its sharp turns and trajectory shifts take some getting used to. However, this high maneuverability is only available with Boost Speed. Without boost, pitch, roll, and yaw will seem mediocre, but still respectable. A basic variant with new, engineer-improved engines and a blueprint, dirty thrusters tune will turn the ship in seconds. With afterburners, the Kestrel Mk II has very strong lateral acceleration, similar to that of standard cruise engines. A single Mk II Plasma Shock Accelerator deals 109 absolute damage at 100% per second, and the ship's fuel consumption allows for ammo reserves to be kept under control. The maximum firing range is 3 km, and the armor penetration is 60. Its accuracy doesn't allow for long-range attacks, but the spread isn't particularly wide. A major drawback, which at least brings some balance, is that the Plasma Shock Accelerator Mk II, like the standard Shock Cannon, cannot be upgraded by Engineers. While they aren't required, the presence of a classic Plasma Accelerator or a Pacifier Frag-Cannon makes it no less dangerous for humans, and an upgraded Enhanced AX Multi-cannon is equally dangerous for Thargoids.
Armor and shields, when equipped with modules upgraded by Engineers, such as Shield and Hull Amplifiers, will reach a combined hull integrity of 3,000-5,000. This, combined with its small size and good maneuverability, makes the Kestrel Mk II a very durable ship, and in the hands of an experienced pilot skilled in maneuverable combat, one of the most dangerous ships in the game.
Other
Kestrel Mk II is a combat ship thus it makes no sense to turn it into an explorer or trader. The only secondary role is a racing fighter for dangerous races in dense planetary rings or deep canyons.
Purchase Locations
| System | Station | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinrarta Dezhra | Jameson Memorial | Always available | 10% discount, Founders Permit needed |
Outfitting
- Main article: Outfitting
All ships are highly customizable through the Outfitting menu of Station Services. Listed below is the default load-out for the Kestrel Mk II.
| Category | Default System | Default Rating | Default Class | Max Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Hardpoint | Pulse Laser | -- | -- | -- |
| Pulse Laser | -- | -- | -- | |
| Medium Hardpoint | Empty | -- | -- | -- |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Utility Mount | Empty | -- | -- | -- |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Bulkheads | Lightweight Alloys | -- | -- | -- |
| Reactor Bay | Power Plant | -- | -- | -- |
| Thrusters Mounting | Thrusters | -- | -- | -- |
| Frame Shift Drive Housing | Frame Shift Drive (SCO) | -- | -- | -- |
| Environment Control | Life Support | -- | -- | -- |
| Power Coupling | Power Distributor | -- | -- | -- |
| Sensor Suite | Sensors | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Store | Fuel Tank [x16] | -- | -- | -- |
| Internal Compartments | Shield Generator | -- | -- | -- |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Cargo Rack [x8] | -- | -- | -- | |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Cargo Rack [x4] | -- | -- | -- | |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Advanced Docking Computer | -- | -- | -- | |
| Supercruise Assist | -- | -- | -- | |
| (PAS) | -- | -- | -- |
- (L) = Loaned Module
- [x#] = Capacity
- (PAS) = Reserved solely for the Planetary Approach Suite or Advanced Planetary Approach Suite
Development
The Kestrel Mk II was first teased on the Elite Dangerous account on the site X (x.com) on 14 February 2026.[5] unveiled during the Developer Log on 16 February 2026.[2]
Videos
Gallery
-
Kestrel Mk II at a Gas Giant -
Kestrel Mk II with weapons -
Kestrel Mk II Features
References
- ↑ Kestrel Mk II Review – Medium-Ship Firepower in a Small Frame | Elite Dangerous - Mile 13 Gaming - YouTube - 22 Feb 2026
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Elite Dangerous | Developer Log - 16 February 2026 - YouTube
- ↑ Elite Dangerous | Kestrel Mk II Update Out Now! - 24 Feb 2026 - Frontier Forums
- ↑ Elite Dangerous | Plasma Shock Accelerator: damage type check - Alswulf - 26 Feb 2026 - YouTube
- ↑ Elite Dangerous - A new hangar door is opening - 13 Feb 2026 - on X