Small and Mighty – Elite Dangerous unveils first new ship of 2026 as the nimble Kestrel Mk II enters ARX Early Access
Core Dynamics delivers a cutting-edge military fighter in a manoeuvrable package, as Frontier Developments' legendary space sim unveils its 2026 roadmap.
Commanders are preparing to disrupt the combat status quo, as Elite Dangerous' first ship of 2026, the Kestrel Mk II, launches today into ARX Early Access. This comes hot on the heels of the reveal of the 2026 content roadmap, offering a glimpse at how Frontier's iconic space simulation is continuing to evolve after a successful 2025.
A small frame capable of delivering a big impact, the Kestrel Mk II has been designed to break convention and challenge Elite Dangerous' heavy-hitting combat ships with a manoeuvrable and aggressive loadout. Complimented by three large hardpoints and a pair of new modules; The Mk II Plasma Shock Accelerator, a fully automatic variant of the existing Shock Cannon which utilises the ship's fuel as ammunition, and the Mk II Agile Boost Thrusters, which offer significant lateral and vertical acceleration when boosting, creating an evasive fighter which packs a punch.
The Kestrel Mk II was revealed as part of Elite Dangerous' first developer update of the year, which also included a first look at the 2026 content roadmap and a glimpse at Elite Dangerous' first major update of the year, Operations. This new way to play offers multi-stage missions for a team of up to four players, bringing unique rewards whilst challenging Commanders to master both on-foot and ship activities. Alongside this brand-new feature, the content roadmap also revealed five new vessels arriving throughout the year, and a feature reboot coming in the Autumn.
The Kestrel Mk II is available now for 16,520 ARX, whilst the Stellar Edition can be acquired for 33,000 ARX and includes a selection of additional ship kit pieces alongside a striking paint job. Commanders can also choose to expand their cosmetic options with the Kestrel's Galactic Bundle for 60,000 ARX, containing everything in the Stellar Edition alongside the Flare Animated Holo-Kit and six paint jobs. All Commanders who purchase the ship within the early access window will also receive a limited edition 'Owners Club' decal. The Kestrel Mk II will be available to purchase for in-game earned credits at a later date.
Elite Dangerous, Elite Dangerous: Odyssey and the combined Deluxe Edition Bundle is available to purchase now on Steam, or via the Epic Games Store.
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About Frontier
Frontier Developments plc is a leading independent developer and publisher of videogames, specialising in Creative Management Simulation (CMS) experiences. Headquartered in Cambridge, Frontier builds and supports globally successful CMS franchises such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo, and Jurassic World Evolution, using its proprietary COBRA technology. CMS games form the core of Frontier's strategy and continue to drive long‑term growth through strong player engagement, robust back‑catalogue performance, and a focused pipeline of new simulation titles.
About Elite Dangerous
Take control of your own starship in a cutthroat galaxy. Some may know you as an ally; others will call you a pirate, a bounty hunter, a smuggler, an explorer, an assassin, a hero... Fly with friends, fight for a cause or go it alone. Your actions change the galaxy around you in an ever-unfolding story. Explore a detailed 1:1 model of our real galaxy, and be the first to discover one of 400 billion star systems. Start with a small starship and a handful of credits, and do whatever it takes to earn the skill, knowledge, wealth and power to stand among the ranks of the Elite.
