Airbus has announced the successful completion of the first European flight of the U740 Valkyrie. This uncrewed combat aircraft, developed in partnership with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, represents a significant step toward the company’s goal of achieving combat readiness for European air forces by 2029.
During the flight, the platform demonstrated its capability for runway-independent operations using a rocket-assisted rail launch system. The test confirmed performance objectives across various altitudes, including maneuvers at speeds up to Mach 0.8 and successful in-flight mission adjustments. These flight tests validate the aircraft’s integration with the Multiplatform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure (MARS) mission system, which Airbus describes as the platform’s core European-developed control interface.
The U740 Valkyrie is designed to integrate with crewed fighters, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, to extend operational range and tactical survivability. With a service ceiling of 45,000 feet and a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers, the aircraft is positioned to meet the requirements of Germany’s ongoing uncrewed combat aircraft program. Airbus continues to refine the platform ahead of its 2029 target date while facing competition from other industry proposals, including the MQ-28 Ghost Bat.