First European flight of the Valkyrie drone

Airbus and Kratos completed the first European flight of the U740 Valkyrie, a collaborative combat drone, on September 29, 2026. The flight took place at a test site in Northern Europe and achieved all its objectives, according to Airbus.

Rocket-assisted takeoff and flight performance

The Valkyrie took off using a rocket booster instead of a runway, allowing it to launch from a simple rail. It then performed maneuvers at different altitudes, reached Mach 0.8, and adjusted its mission in flight, demonstrating its adaptability and performance.

Sovereignty and control over the mission system

The Valkyrie is equipped with an artificial intelligence-powered mission system called MARS, developed by Airbus. This system ensures European control over software, data, and hardware, allowing the aircraft to operate independently without reliance on external systems.

Design and capabilities of the Valkyrie

The Valkyrie measures 9.1 meters in length and 8.2 meters in wingspan, with a takeoff weight of about three tonnes. It has an operational range of over 5,000 kilometers, a ceiling of 45,000 feet, and can carry weapons internally or on under-wing hardpoints.

Human oversight and ethical considerations

Although the MARS system uses AI to conduct missions and coordinate multiple aircraft, a human remains in the loop for critical decisions. This ensures compliance with engagement rules and ethical standards, maintaining control over when and how the drone can use force.

Cost and future deployment goals

Airbus estimates the Valkyrie's cost at around 20 million euros and projects Germany will need approximately 500 of these drones. The aircraft is intended to support fighter jets like the Eurofighter and is expected to be combat-ready by 2029, meeting the operational needs of European forces.