XQ-58A Valkyrie – The Defense Post

Mar- 2026 -

17 March

Air

Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie stealth drone displayed on a wheeled trailer inside a military hangar during low-light pre-flight or testing operations, co-branded with Airbus

Valkyrie Drones Set for First Flight With European Sovereign Mission System

Airbus is reconfiguring the Valkyrie drones with an “AI brain” that unlocks an ability to coordinate entire mission groups all on their own.

Jan- 2026 -

9 January

Air

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

The US Marine Corps is Finally Getting Its Own Loyal Wingman Drone

XQ-58 Valkyrie is an unmanned aerial system developed by Kratos, equipped with modular payload bays, conventional takeoff and landing capability, and flexible runway operations.

Jul- 2025 -

17 July

Air

A U.S. Marine Corps XQ-58A Valkyrie, highly autonomous, low-cost tactical unmanned air vehicle, conducts its second test flight with two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to 33rd Fighter Wing, 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Feb. 23, 2023. The XQ-58A Valkyrie test flight and the data collected inform future requirements for the Marine Corps in a rapidly evolving security environment, while successfully fueling joint innovation and experimentation opportunities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John McRell)

Inder Singh Bisht

Airbus, Kratos Pitch Valkyrie ‘Loyal Wingman’ for German Air Force

Germany-based Airbus Defence and Space has teamed with US firm Kratos to offer the latter’s XQ-58A Valkyrie combat drone to the German Air Force by 2029.

Jan- 2025 -

24 January

Air

Rojoef Manuel

Kratos to Extend Development Support for US Marines Valkyrie Drone

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has received a $34.8-million contract to continue its support services for the US Marine Corps’ XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned aerial system development.

Oct- 2024 -

14 October

Air