Airbus–Kratos U740 Valkyrie uncrewed combat aircraft completes first European flight

Airbus and Kratos have completed the first European flight of the U740 Valkyrie uncrewed combat aircraft, marking a milestone towards their target of delivering a combat-ready Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) by 2029 for German and other European armed forces.

Conducted at an undisclosed test facility in Northern Europe, the flight included a runway-independent, rocket-assisted launch, manoeuvres at different altitudes and speeds up to Mach 0.8, and in-flight mission adjustments. According to Airbus, all objectives were achieved.

Further trials will test Airbus’ Multi-platform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure (MARS) mission system. Designed to provide European control over mission software, data and hardware, MARS uses AI-enhanced software for autonomous operations and coordination between aircraft, with human oversight of critical decisions.

The Valkyrie is intended to operate independently or alongside crewed fighters such as the Eurofighter, undertaking high-risk missions and extending their capabilities. Measuring 9.1 metres long with an 8.2-metre wingspan, it has internal and external payload stations, a maximum take-off weight of approximately three tonnes, a stated range exceeding 5,000 kilometres and a service ceiling of around 13,700 metres.