Airbus and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions have completed the first flight of the U740 Valkyrie uncrewed aircraft in Europe, marking a key step towards developing a combat-ready Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) by 2029. The programme is intended to meet the operational requirements of the German and other European armed forces.
The flight took place at a test facility in Northern Europe and achieved all planned objectives. These included a rocket-assisted take-off without the need for a conventional runway, manoeuvres at different altitudes, speeds of up to Mach 0.8 and in-flight mission adjustments.
The successful flight will be followed by more advanced testing using Airbus’ Multi-platform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure (MARS) mission system. MARS is designed to provide the aircraft with a European-controlled software and mission architecture, covering mission applications, data and system hardware. This approach is intended to give Germany and other European users greater sovereignty over the aircraft’s operational deployment.
The system uses artificial intelligence-enhanced software to carry out missions autonomously and coordinate groups of aircraft. A defined control hierarchy keeps a human in the decision-making loop, ensuring that critical decisions comply with applicable rules of engagement and ethical and legal requirements.
Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said air forces need affordable combat aircraft numbers to respond to increasingly complex security threats. He said combining Kratos’ established aircraft platform with Airbus’ sovereign European mission system would support the delivery of a combat-ready CCA by the end of the decade.
The Valkyrie is also expected to support crewed combat aircraft such as the Eurofighter by extending operational range, increasing firepower and improving survivability. Its design includes rail-launch capability for operational flexibility, alongside conventional runway-based take-off and landing.
Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said the first flight demonstrated the maturity of the aircraft system and the integration between the two companies. He added that the partnership would combine Kratos’ experience in affordable aircraft and drone manufacturing with Airbus’ mission systems and aerospace expertise.
The U740 Valkyrie measures 9.1 metres in length, with an 8.2-metre wingspan, and features an internal weapons bay and underwing payload stations. With a maximum take-off weight of approximately three tonnes, it offers a range exceeding 5,000 kilometres and a service ceiling of 45,000 feet. Designed for autonomous operation or coordination with crewed fighters such as the Eurofighter, it is intended to undertake high-risk missions while protecting crewed aircraft.
