Kratos and Airbus Complete First European Test Flight for U740 Valkyrie Drone
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) and Airbus SE (EURONEXT:AIR) completed the first European test flight of the U740 Valkyrie uncrewed combat aircraft. The flight took place at a test facility in Northern Europe and achieved all targets, including a rocket-assisted launch without a runway, maneuvers at speeds up to Mach 0.8 across multiple altitudes, and mid-flight mission adjustments.
The success supports efforts to meet operational requirements for German and European armed forces. By combining Kratos' low-cost airframe with Airbus' autonomous MARS mission system, the joint effort aims to offer an affordable uncrewed combat aircraft. The system uses artificial intelligence to operate autonomously or alongside crewed fighters like the Eurofighter, extending their range and firepower while keeping human control over critical decisions.
Airbus and Kratos plan to deliver a combat-ready system by 2029. Next steps include conducting more advanced test flights using Airbus' MARS software to ensure European operational control over the technology.
Key points
- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) and Airbus SE (EURONEXT:AIR) completed the inaugural European flight test for the U740 Valkyrie uncrewed aircraft.
- The Northern European test flight verified rocket-assisted take-offs, maneuvers up to Mach 0.8, and in-flight mission modifications.
- Both defense contractors aim to deliver a combat-ready uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft system by 2029.
- Airbus' artificial intelligence-powered MARS mission software manages autonomous tasks while maintaining human oversight for critical decisions.
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What is the Airbus U740 Valkyrie uncrewed aircraft?
The U740 Valkyrie is an uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft built by Kratos and Airbus that can operate autonomously or in coordination with crewed jets such as the Eurofighter.
When will the U740 Valkyrie drone system be available?
Airbus and Kratos are on track to deliver a combat-ready system by 2029 to meet operational needs for German and European armed forces.
What happened during the first European test flight of the Valkyrie?
The aircraft completed a runway-independent rocket-assisted launch, achieved speeds up to Mach 0.8 at various altitudes, and made successful mission adjustments while airborne.