Airbus Valkyrie Completes First European Flight Test

Uncrewed combat aircraft set to enter service by 2029 Airbus Valkyrie Completes First European Flight

2026-10-13 From Detlev Karg 1 min Reading Time

The test took place in northern Europe at the end of September. The aircraft performed a rocket-assisted launch, manoeuvres at different altitudes and speeds of up to Mach 0.8.

The Airbus U740 Valkyrie during its first European flight test.(Photo: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH 2026) — The Airbus U740 Valkyrie during its first European flight test.
(Photo: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH 2026)

According to Airbus, all test objectives were achieved. The 9.1-metre aircraft, developed from Kratos' XQ-58A Valkyrie, has a range exceeding 5,000 kilometres and can carry weapons internally and externally. It is designed to operate autonomously or alongside crewed fighters such as the Eurofighter. A distinctive feature of the Valkyrie is its ability to take off without a conventional runway. The next step will be the integration of Airbus' AI-supported MARS mission system, scheduled for testing in early 2027. MARS is intended to provide European control over mission planning, data processing and autonomous operations. A first joint flight with a Eurofighter is planned for later that year.

US technology dependence remains a concern

Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schoellhorn said that Germany could eventually require around 500 collaborative combat aircraft, costing approximately €20 million each. However, the Luftwaffe has yet to define its operational requirements. European production could become an option depending on order volumes. The project also raises questions about technological sovereignty. Although the mission software is European, the airframe remains American technology. Future production rights, upgrades and supply-chain dependencies could therefore become important considerations.

No replacement for FCAS

Valkyrie is not a direct replacement for the abandoned Franco-German FCAS fighter project. Rather, it offers a potentially faster route to autonomous combat capabilities that could complement existing Eurofighters and future European fighter aircraft, regardless of which international partnership Germany ultimately chooses.

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