Greetings, Commanders!
The 2026 content roadmap for Elite Dangerous is officially in motion, and it’s starting with a bang—or rather, a high-velocity plasma burst. As of February 24, 2026, the much-anticipated Kestrel Mk II has officially entered ARX Early Access.
Engineered by Core Dynamics, the Kestrel Mk II isn’t just another small fighter; it’s a reimagining of a classic from the frontier of old, purpose-built to punch well above its weight class. If you’ve been looking for a ship that prioritises agility without sacrificing teeth, your new favourite interceptor has arrived.
The New Rules of Engagement
The Kestrel Mk II is designed to disrupt the current combat meta. While it sits on a small landing pad, its offensive capabilities and unique modules make it a nightmare for even the most seasoned medium-ship pilots.
- Agility Redefined: The ship features specialised vertical wing-thrusters, providing exceptional lateral and vertical acceleration.
- The Firepower: It defies small-ship conventions by sporting three large hardpoints, allowing it to deliver massive damage typically reserved for much larger vessels.
- Fuel as Ammunition: It introduces the Mk II Plasma Shock Accelerator. This fully automatic variant of the Shock Cannon utilises the ship’s own fuel as ammunition (built-in Plasma Slug functionality), ensuring you can stay in the fight as long as your tank is full.
Bundles and Pricing
Commanders looking to jump into the cockpit immediately can choose from three distinct entry points in the ARX store:
| Bundle | Price (ARX) | Key Highlights |
| Standard | 16,520 | Ship, Shipyard Unlock, and “Owners Club” Decal. |
| Stellar | 33,000 | Pre-built high-spec combat loadout, Primacy White Paint, and Aggro Ship Kit. |
| Galactic | 60,000 | Everything in Stellar plus Flare Animated Holo-Kit, Swift Ship Kit, and 6 Paint Jobs. |
Note: All Commanders who purchase the ship during the Early Access window will receive the exclusive “Owners Club” decal. For those who prefer to spend their hard-earned Credits, the Kestrel will become available for in-game purchase in approximately three months.
A Packed Update: Audio & More
The arrival of the Kestrel Mk II also brings Update 4.3.1.0, which includes a massive overhaul of the on-foot combat audio. Frontier has reworked the soundscapes of settlements to improve situational awareness—gunfire is now easier to pinpoint, and explosions have been “cleaned up” to remove distance-muddiness. Whether you’re in the air or on the ground, the galaxy has never sounded more visceral.
What’s Next for 3312?
The Kestrel is just the first of six new vessels slated for 2026. With the “Operations” update coming in April—introducing multi-stage, four-player co-op missions—the Kestrel’s speed and precision will likely be a popular choice for Commanders looking to master these new tactical challenges.
Ready to take the flight? Head to the ARX store now to claim your Kestrel Mk II and start dominating the hazard zones.
Find out more here – http://elitedangerous.com/
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