Airbus and Kratos to Equip XQ-58A Valkyrie Drone with European Mission System for German Air Force by 2029

European air combat capabilities, Airbus Defence and Space has partnered with US-based Kratos Defense and Security Solutions to develop a combat-ready variant of the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone for the German Air Force. The joint effort will see Airbus integrate its advanced mission system into the XQ-58A, with delivery aimed by 2029.

The XQ-58A Valkyrie is a stealthy, uncrewed combat drone, originally developed by Kratos for the U.S. military. It is rail-launched, meaning it doesn’t need a runway, and can be operated autonomously or alongside fighter jets in “loyal wingman” roles. Weighing around three tonnes, it can fly at altitudes up to 45,000 feet and has a range of approximately 3,000 miles (about 4,800 km)—making it highly suitable for deep strike and surveillance missions.

What makes this partnership unique is the mission system being added by Airbus. This system is platform-agnostic, meaning it can be used on various aircraft types, whether manned or unmanned. It allows for seamless integration into multi-domain operations, enhancing the drone’s role in modern, networked warfare.

Airbus CEO Mike Schoellhorn explained the urgency of this development, citing the “disruptive geopolitical context” that now demands fast-tracked air combat solutions. He emphasized that both attritable (low-cost and expendable) and non-attritable (more durable, reusable) Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) are in high demand across European defence forces.

"This partnership will help accelerate Europe’s ability to defend itself while strengthening NATO’s transatlantic ties," said Schoellhorn.

Eric DeMarco, CEO of Kratos, pointed to the XQ-58A’s proven performance and its cost-efficiency as a foundation for this project. The drone has been in flight testing since 2019, demonstrating its capabilities in a wide range of operational scenarios.

“We’re excited about our partnership with Airbus, which will result again in a first-to-market Valkyrie variant, now tuned for the European mission,” DeMarco said.

This initiative not only represents a technological collaboration between the U.S. and Europe, but also lays the groundwork for Germany’s future unmanned air combat capabilities. Once delivered, this German-specific XQ-58A variant will likely be a key element in Europe’s evolving Collaborative Combat Aircraft ecosystem, where drones act as force multipliers for manned jets.

With increasing global tensions and evolving air combat doctrines, the Valkyrie equipped with Airbus tech could be a game-changer in future European air operations.