Airbus and Kratos Fly Valkyrie Drone in Europe for the First Time
The test flight clears a path for Airbus to equip the drone with its MARS mission system and pair it with Eurofighter jets by 2027.
- On Monday, October 12, 2026, Airbus and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions announced the successful completion of the first European test flight of the U740-Valkyrie, achieving all test objectives including rocket-assisted take-off.
- Airbus and Kratos formed a partnership in 2025 to supply the German Air Force with Collaborative Combat Aircraft by 2029, pairing Kratos' proven airframe with Airbus' sovereign European mission system.
- During the September test, the aircraft achieved speeds up to Mach 0.8 and performed maneuvers at various altitudes, with CEO of Airbus Defence and Space Mike Schoellhorn calling the flight a "complete success."
- Future flights will integrate the Multi-platform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure mission system, enabling the Valkyrie to operate autonomously or coordinate with Eurofighter jets while ensuring European sovereignty over data and hardware.
- Airbus plans subsequent flight tests for mid-2027, with CEO Schoellhorn floating the possibility of European production if order numbers allow, as the company competes against Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman in a multibillion-dollar market.
26 Articles
26 Articles
The Bundeswehr plans to procure up to 500 fighter bomber drones. Airbus is now reporting the first European flight of Valkyrie and is intensifying competition with Rheinmetall, Helsing and US suppliers.
Airbus and Kratos have successfully completed the first European test flight of the U740 Valkyrie unmanned combat aircraft, The Aviationist reported.
The new hunting bomber drone Valkyrie takes off for the first time in Europe. However, the criticism of Defense Minister Pistorius does not dispel.
Airbus and Kratos Fly Valkyrie Drone in Europe for the First Time
The first flight in Europe of the U740 Valkyrie, which combines the airframe of Kratos’ XQ-58 drone with Airbus’ MARS mission system, paves the way toward the goal of a combat-ready CCA by 2029. Airbus and Kratos have announced the first flight in Europe of the XQ-58 Valkyrie uncrewed aircraft, now designated by Airbus as […]
Airbus tests Valkyrie drone in Europe, plans 2029 combat readiness
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
