Airbus, in cooperation with US-based Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, has successfully completed the first European flight of the U740 Valkyrie uncrewed combat aircraft. The test took place on October 12, 2026, at a test facility in Northern Europe, marking an important milestone in the development of an autonomous combat system intended for the German and other European armed forces. According to Airbus, the system is expected to be ready for operational deployment by 2029.

All planned test objectives were achieved during the maiden flight. The aircraft took off using rocket-assisted propulsion without requiring a runway, before performing a series of manoeuvres at various altitudes and speeds, including flight at up to Mach 0.8. The test also successfully demonstrated the ability to adjust mission parameters during flight.

The U740 Valkyrie is being developed within the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) category, referring to uncrewed combat aircraft designed to operate alongside crewed fighter aircraft. Such systems are expected to enhance the combat capabilities of existing air forces, enable high-risk missions without directly exposing pilots to danger, and increase the number of available combat platforms at lower acquisition and operating costs.

A particularly important element of Airbus’ programme is the development of the European autonomous mission management system MARS (Multi-platform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure). Airbus describes the system as the Valkyrie’s European brain, designed to enable autonomous mission execution, coordination of multiple aircraft, and management of their activities within joint operations.

MARS is based on artificial intelligence-enhanced software solutions, with a strict hierarchy of human oversight. Although the system can autonomously perform certain tasks, humans retain a supervisory role, while critical decisions must comply with established rules of engagement and applicable legal and ethical standards.

For Airbus, a particularly important aspect of the solution is that European operators retain control over the software, data, mission applications, and associated systems. This approach aims to reduce the dependence of European armed forces on foreign suppliers in the field of autonomous combat systems, despite the aircraft platform itself being developed by the American company Kratos.

Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, emphasised that modern air forces, facing increasingly complex security threats, require greater numbers of affordable combat platforms. By combining Kratos’ established aircraft platform with Airbus’ European mission system, the manufacturers aim to deliver an operationally capable CCA system by the end of the decade.

The Valkyrie is also expected to play an important role in supporting existing combat aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon. By operating ahead of or alongside crewed fighters, the uncrewed platform can extend their operational reach, expand their combat capabilities, and reduce pilots’ exposure to hostile air defence systems.

One of the Valkyrie’s key characteristics is its flexibility during take-off. In addition to conventional runway take-offs and landings, the aircraft’s design also enables launch from dedicated launch systems. This capability allows the aircraft to operate even when traditional air bases are unavailable, damaged, or exposed to attack.

The U740 Valkyrie measures 9.1 metres in length, has a wingspan of 8.2 metres, and a maximum take-off weight of approximately three tonnes. According to the manufacturer, its range exceeds 5,000 kilometres, while its service ceiling reaches 45,000 feet, or approximately 13,700 metres. The aircraft features an internal weapons bay and external payload stations beneath its wings, allowing it to be configured for various combat missions.

With the successful completion of its maiden European flight, Airbus and Kratos have entered the next phase of testing, which will focus on more complex operations and the integration of the autonomous MARS system. The project also forms part of a broader effort by the European defence industry to develop its own capabilities in managing uncrewed combat systems, which are expected to become an integral part of next-generation combat aviation operations.