Airbus and Kratos to Develop XQ-58A Valkyrie for German Air Force

Airbus Defence and Space has entered into a strategic partnership with Kratos Defense and Security Solutions to develop a European variant of the XQ-58A Valkyrie, an uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) intended for deployment by the German Air Force by 2029. This initiative reflects a broader trend in European defense policy: the acceleration of autonomous and AI-enabled aerial systems to meet evolving security demands.

XQ-58A. Kratos Defense and Security 

The XQ-58A Valkyrie, originally developed under the U.S. Air Force’s Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) program, is a rail-launched, low-observable drone capable of operating either autonomously or in coordination with manned fighter aircraft. With a maximum takeoff weight of approximately three tons, the Valkyrie can reach altitudes of up to 45,000 feet and has a range of around 3,000 miles. Its design supports both kinetic and non-kinetic mission profiles, making it suitable for a variety of operational scenarios.

Airbus’ contribution to the project centers on the integration of a mission system tailored to European requirements. This system is described as platform-agnostic, meaning it can be adapted to various crewed and uncrewed platforms within NATO’s interoperability framework. The goal is to create a sovereign European solution that enhances operational flexibility while maintaining compatibility with allied systems.

The collaboration between Airbus and Kratos is not occurring in isolation. It follows a series of similar transatlantic partnerships aimed at bolstering Europe’s defense capabilities. For example, during the Paris Air Show 2025, Rheinmetall and Anduril Industries announced a joint effort to develop autonomous air systems, including European versions of the Barracuda and Fury drones. These initiatives reflect a growing emphasis on modularity, affordability, and rapid deployment in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics.

One of the key strategic considerations behind the Valkyrie’s European adaptation is its potential role in bridging the gap between current capabilities and future ambitions, particularly those outlined in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. FCAS, led by France, Germany, and Spain, aims to deliver a sixth-generation fighter and a networked “combat cloud” by the 2040s. Until then, platforms like the Valkyrie may serve as interim solutions, enabling manned-unmanned teaming and expanding the reach of existing aircraft through collaborative operations.

The concept of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) is central to this development. CCAs are designed to operate alongside traditional fighter jets, providing support through surveillance, electronic warfare, and even direct engagement. The Valkyrie’s ability to function in both attritable and non-attritable roles—meaning it can be deployed in high-risk environments without the same cost implications as manned aircraft—adds to its strategic value.

From a technical standpoint, the Valkyrie has undergone extensive testing since its first flight in 2019. These tests have evaluated its aerodynamic performance, system functionality, and launch and recovery mechanisms. The aircraft’s rail-launch capability eliminates the need for traditional runways, offering greater flexibility in deployment scenarios. This feature could be particularly relevant for European forces operating in contested or remote environments.

The integration of Airbus’ mission system is expected to enhance the Valkyrie’s operational effectiveness by enabling seamless communication and coordination with other assets. This includes not only current platforms but also those under development, such as future iterations of the Eurofighter and other NATO-aligned systems. The emphasis on a multi-platform architecture suggests a long-term vision for interoperability and scalability across the European defense landscape.

While the partnership promises to deliver a combat-ready platform by 2029, it also raises questions about industrial strategy and defense procurement. Collaborations between European and U.S. firms have become increasingly common, driven by the need for rapid innovation and shared technological expertise. However, they also highlight the challenges of balancing sovereignty with interoperability, particularly in the context of NATO’s collective defense framework.

The Airbus-Kratos partnership to adapt the XQ-58A Valkyrie for the German Air Force represents a significant step in Europe’s pursuit of autonomous airpower. It aligns with broader efforts to modernize defense capabilities, foster transatlantic cooperation, and prepare for future combat scenarios involving manned-unmanned teaming. As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, such initiatives may play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic landscape of European defense.