Airbus Prepares Valkyrie Uncrewed Combat Aircraft for European Mission System Flight

Airbus is preparing two uncrewed combat aircraft, developed with Kratos Defence & Security Solutions, for their first flights equipped with a European mission system.

The aircraft, based on the Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie platform, is currently being prepared at Airbus’ facility in Manching, near Munich. The flights are expected to take place later this year as part of the development of an Uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (UCCA) system intended for the German Air Force.

Airbus aims to provide an operational UCCA capability by 2029. The project combines Kratos’ uncrewed aircraft platform with Airbus-developed mission systems to create a system that can operate alongside crewed military aircraft.

The aircraft are being equipped with Airbus’ Multiplatform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure (MARS) mission system. The system includes an artificial intelligence-supported control software called MindShare, designed to manage autonomous operations and coordinate missions involving multiple crewed and uncrewed aircraft.

Marco Gumbrecht, Head of Key Account Germany at Airbus Defence and Space, said the approach allows the company to combine an existing uncrewed aircraft with a European mission system rather than developing a completely new platform.

Steve Fendley, President of the Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, said the cooperation between Airbus and Kratos focuses on integrating the Valkyrie aircraft with the Airbus mission system to support different operational roles, including independent operations and missions involving cooperation with crewed aircraft.

Integration with Eurofighter Operations

As part of the broader programme, Airbus is also working with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems to enhance the Litening 5 targeting pod used on the Eurofighter Typhoon. The upgrade will include connectivity features that enable the aircraft to serve as a command platform, coordinating both crewed and uncrewed systems.

Updates to the Eurofighter’s avionics are also planned to support the integration of these capabilities.

The Valkyrie aircraft measures approximately 9.1 metres in length, has a wingspan of 8.2 metres, and has a range exceeding 5,000 kilometres. It has a maximum take-off weight of around three tonnes and can operate at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet.

The aircraft first flew in the United States in 2019, and several examples have continued flight testing since then. The variant being prepared by Airbus is expected to conduct its maiden flight in 2026.

The system is designed to perform missions that may pose greater risks to crewed aircraft. Depending on the mission, the uncrewed aircraft can operate autonomously or be directed by a command aircraft such as the Eurofighter.