Airbus and Kratos to Deliver Combat-Ready Valkyrie Drone for Germany by 2029

Airbus and U.S.-based Kratos Defense have announced a strategic partnership to deliver a European-configured version of the XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned combat drone to the German Air Force by 2029. The program brings together the flight-proven American platform with an advanced Airbus mission system, tailored for the operational needs of Europe.

The XQ-58A Valkyrie, developed by Kratos, is a rail-launched, low-observable drone capable of both autonomous operations and crewed-uncrewed teaming.

With a maximum takeoff weight of 3,000 kg and a range of up to 3,000 miles, the drone can fly at altitudes reaching 45,000 feet. It is designed to deliver both kinetic (weapons-based) and non-kinetic (electronic warfare or reconnaissance) effects.

Airbus’ platform-agnostic mission architecture enables seamless integration into various aircraft types, including both legacy and next-generation platforms. The joint effort with Kratos reinforces Europe’s ambition to field collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) with operational flexibility — covering both attritable (expendable) and non-attritable roles.

“This partnership is a major step in accelerating European defense readiness,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “By combining a combat-proven drone with a sovereign European mission system, we can deliver powerful capabilities to NATO allies while strengthening transatlantic ties.”

The Valkyrie has already demonstrated collaborative flight with manned fighters during testing with the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps. Although currently launched via rail, a landing gear-equipped version is also under development by Kratos, expanding future operational use.

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