Airbus and Kratos complete first European flight of U740 Valkyrie drone

Airbus and Kratos carried out the inaugural European flight of the XQ‑58 Valkyrie, now designated U740 Valkyrie, on 29 September 2026, achieving all planned objectives including a runway‑independent rocket‑assisted take‑off.

The test flight featured manoeuvres at various altitudes and speeds up to Mach 0.8, as well as in‑flight mission adjustments, and demonstrated the AI‑enhanced MARS mission system that serves as the aircraft’s European brain.

The program remains on schedule to deliver a combat‑ready uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft by 2029, with the U740 Valkyrie expected to be operable by German and other European armed forces while maintaining full operational sovereignty.