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Airbus Defence and Space has partnered with US-based Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to develop a European variant of the XQ-58A Valkyrie, with plans to have the system operational for the German Air Force by 2029.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie is a rail-launched, low-observable drone capable of flying at altitudes up to 45,000 feet and covering distances of up to 3,000 miles, an uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft.
With a maximum take-off weight of around three tonnes, the aircraft can be employed independently or operate alongside manned fighter jets, delivering both kinetic and non-kinetic effects. First flown in 2019, the Valkyrie has undergone extensive testing and demonstrated a range of mission capabilities.
Under the new partnership, the Valkyrie will be integrated with a mission system developed by Airbus. Designed with a platform-agnostic architecture, the system is intended to operate across both current and future platforms in Europe’s rapidly evolving mix of crewed and uncrewed combat systems.
“In today’s increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment, our customers are demanding fast-tracked solutions for both attritable and non-attritable collaborative combat aircraft,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.
“This collaboration with Kratos, using a proven drone platform and a sovereign, multi-platform mission system, will provide vital capability to European forces by the end of the decade. It’s a project that not only strengthens Europe’s ability to defend itself but also reinforces NATO’s trans-Atlantic cooperation.”
Eric DeMarco, CEO of Kratos, echoed the sentiment, stating: “We designed Valkyrie as an affordable, adaptable combat drone that can work in tandem with manned aircraft or operate independently. Since its first flight in 2019, Valkyrie has demonstrated a wide range of mission and autonomy capabilities. Through this partnership with Airbus, we’ll deliver a new variant of Valkyrie tailored to meet European operational needs and we’ll be first to market.”
The joint project reflects a broader push by European defence planners to enhance strategic autonomy and develop advanced combat systems that can integrate with NATO forces. The pairing of Kratos’ proven airframe with Airbus’ mission systems aims to fast-track deployment while preserving technological sovereignty.
