Airbus U740 Valkyrie Completes Maiden Flight as European Loyal Wingman Program Advances

Airbus and Kratos completed the first flight of the U740 Valkyrie on October 12, 2026, from a test facility in Northern Europe, confirming the program remains on schedule for a combat ready collaborative combat aircraft by 2029. The aircraft lifted off with rocket assistance that removed any need for a runway, then performed maneuvers at several altitudes while reaching speeds up to Mach 0.8 and accepting changes to its mission plan in the air. All planned objectives were met on this initial European sortie, which used an airframe already proven in American testing since the XQ-58A first flew in 2019.

The U740, measuring 9.1 meters in length and 8.2 meters in wingspan, weighs approximately 3 tons at maximum takeoff, has a range of over 5,000 kilometers, and can operate above 45,000 feet. Its interior compartment can be used to store air-to-air and air-to-ground bombs, while the under-wing stations can hold even more equipment. And, with rail launch capability, it may take off from almost anywhere where conventional runways are scarce or contested, then transition to traditional takeoff and landing when the necessary facilities are available.

Airbus intends to add its Multi platform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure mission system, which keeps all critical software, algorithms, data, and hardware firmly under European data sovereignty, ensuring that operators remain in control of the aircraft. The improved software enables the U740 to fly solo and carry out its own missions, as well as collaborate with other aircraft. Plus, it is designed to maintain a human in the decision-making loop when there are rules of engagement to follow or specified standards to meet. The alliance combines Kratos’ knowledge with the mature airframe with Airbus’ profound grasp of what Europeans require from their equipment.

According to Airbus Defense & Space chief Mike Schoellhorn, the goal of this project is to provide an affordable solution to deploy a reasonable amount of combat capabilities into the frontline, particularly in contested locations. He believes the Valkyrie can significantly increase the range, firepower, and survivability of crewed jets such as the Eurofighter. Kratos CEO Eric DeMarco is beaming after the flight, describing it as a major success that demonstrates how far the system has come and the quality of the two firms’ relationship. The partners are already working to implement the whole mission system and want to have it operational with the German Luftwaffe and other European air forces by the end of the decade.
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