Airbus Defence and Space has joined forces with U.S. defense firm Kratos to bring the XQ-58A Valkyrie combat drone to the German Air Force, aiming for deployment by 2029.
The XQ-58A, developed since 2019, is built for both autonomous missions and “loyal wingman” roles alongside crewed aircraft. The German offering will incorporate Airbus’s modular, platform-independent mission system, enabling broad compatibility and operational flexibility.
The collaboration seeks to bolster European air combat capabilities through a proven unmanned system enhanced with sovereign European technology. It is aligned with NATO priorities and supports the ambitions of the tri-national FCAS program, where the NGWS plays a central role.
Airbus also intends to utilize the Valkyrie as a training platform to advance the German Air Force’s manned-unmanned teaming strategies. The drone boasts a range of 3,000 miles (4,282 km), can operate at 45,000 feet (13,716 m), and is expected to cost under €10 million ($11.59 million).
