Exclusive: US XQ-58A Valkyrie stealth aerial drone demonstrates its ability to operate alongside manned aircraft.

In December 2024, American Company Kratos Defense & Security Solutions successfully conducted advanced flight tests of the XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) in collaboration with multiple U.S. defense entities. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) showcased the system's capability to integrate with crewed fighter aircraft and perform complex missions, marking a significant milestone in future combat operations.
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The XQ-58A Valkyrie is a stealthy, unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed by Kratos Defense to operate alongside crewed fighter jets. (Picture source: Kratos)

The exercise, conducted as part of Emerald Flag 2024, brought together various stakeholders, including Kratos, Northrop Grumman, Autonodyne, the United States Navy, the Air Force, and the Marine Corps. This multi-service and multi-domain training initiative highlighted Valkyrie’s ability to close a kill chain between manned and unmanned strike platforms in a realistic and challenging operational environment.

The XQ-58A Valkyrie, developed by the American Company Kratos Defense, is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle designed as an attritable, cost-effective force multiplier for manned fighter jets. As part of the loyal wingman concept, it enhances operational flexibility, mission survivability, and lethality of crewed aircraft. The Valkyrie features a low-observable profile to reduce radar detection, allowing it to operate in contested airspace, and its aerodynamic design minimizes radar cross-section while maintaining high performance. It leverages vehicle-level autonomy, enabling it to execute complex tasks like threat identification, navigation, and targeting without constant operator input. During Emerald Flag, the system autonomously exchanged relevant tactical data and responded to simulated threats while interacting with crewed and uncrewed platforms.

Another major feature is the Valkyrie’s tactical data link integration, which allows seamless data exchange with advanced networks. The system relayed targeting information between platforms during the test, significantly improving situational awareness for ground and airborne units. Additionally, it demonstrated the ability to be controlled through both airborne and ground control systems. During the flight, the XQ-58A transitioned control between these nodes, successfully showcasing its capacity to be supervised by a single operator managing multiple Valkyries simultaneously.

The UCAV’s modular design also allows for multiple payload configurations, including sensors, electronic warfare (EW) equipment, and precision strike munitions. Its onboard sensors played a critical role during the exercise, identifying and geolocating threats while simultaneously sharing targeting data with collaborating air and ground units.

The demonstration, held alongside four USMC F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214 (VMFA-214) and two USAF F-15E/EX Strike Eagles from the 40th Flight Test Squadron, highlighted the Valkyrie’s ability to operate in a simulated high-threat environment. During the event, its onboard systems autonomously located enemy threats, enhancing the operational effectiveness of all participating platforms. A USMC aviator also actively controlled the XQ-58A during part of the mission, demonstrating its versatility in switching between airborne and ground control methods.

This exercise also marked the first instance where the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) operated the XQ-58A Valkyrie using expeditionary control methods, further validating its utility for Marine Corps Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) and Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The Valkyrie proved its ability to integrate effectively into Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) operations, supporting future mission requirements through precision targeting, enhanced survivability, and reduced operational risk to crewed platforms.

The tests were observed by Lt. Gen. Bradford Gering, USMC Deputy Commandant of Aviation, alongside representatives from the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The success of this demonstration reflects the progress in the USMC’s Unmanned Aerial System Expeditionary (MUX) Tactical Aircraft (TACAIR) program and underscores the Valkyrie’s role in the Marine Corps’ future force structure.

The XQ-58A Valkyrie offers a cost-effective, attritable solution to complement high-value platforms like the F-35B. By enhancing precision targeting capabilities, supporting electronic warfare operations, and seamlessly integrating into joint operations, it provides a critical technological advantage for modern air combat. The system’s ability to operate autonomously, carry versatile payloads, and connect with existing tactical networks positions it as a vital asset for future combat scenarios.

The successful flight tests conducted during Emerald Flag 2024 represent a significant leap in the integration of crewed-uncrewed teaming. Kratos Defense continues to push the boundaries of unmanned aerial system development, ensuring the Valkyrie meets the evolving demands of the U.S. Marine Corps and joint forces. By complementing platforms like the F-35B and expanding the capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, the XQ-58A Valkyrie remains at the forefront of innovation, ready to tackle the complex challenges of modern warfare.