Airbus Tests US-Built Combat Drone in Europe, Eyes Eurofighter Teaming in 2027
The test flight clears a path for Airbus to equip the drone with its MARS mission system and pair it with Eurofighter jets by 2027.
- On Monday, October 12, 2026, Airbus and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions announced the successful completion of the first European test flight of the U740-Valkyrie, achieving all test objectives including rocket-assisted take-off.
- Airbus and Kratos formed a partnership in 2025 to supply the German Air Force with Collaborative Combat Aircraft by 2029, pairing Kratos' proven airframe with Airbus' sovereign European mission system.
- During the September test, the aircraft achieved speeds up to Mach 0.8 and performed maneuvers at various altitudes, with CEO of Airbus Defence and Space Mike Schoellhorn calling the flight a "complete success."
- Future flights will integrate the Multi-platform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure mission system, enabling the Valkyrie to operate autonomously or coordinate with Eurofighter jets while ensuring European sovereignty over data and hardware.
- Airbus plans subsequent flight tests for mid-2027, with CEO Schoellhorn floating the possibility of European production if order numbers allow, as the company competes against Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman in a multibillion-dollar market.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Airbus and Kratos Fly Valkyrie Drone in Europe for the First Time
The first flight in Europe of the U740 Valkyrie, which combines the airframe of Kratos’ XQ-58 drone with Airbus’ MARS mission system, paves the way toward the goal of a combat-ready CCA by 2029. Airbus and Kratos have announced the first flight in Europe of the XQ-58 Valkyrie uncrewed aircraft, now designated by Airbus as […]
Airbus tests Valkyrie drone in Europe, plans 2029 combat readiness
The Economic Times
Times of IndiaAirbus tests US-built combat drone in Europe, eyes Eurofighter teaming in 2027
Airbus has successfully conducted a test flight of the Valkyrie drone in Europe, demonstrating the potential for military drone integration. The flight showcased the drone's capabilities as it reached speeds of Mach 0.8 during various maneuvers. A partnership with Kratos Defense aims to equip the German Air Force with combat drones by 2029. Expected costs and specifications are under evaluation, with a focus on European production possibilities.
Post Register
Airbus U740 Valkyrie Uncrewed Combat Aircraft Takes off for First European Test Flight
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., (NASDAQ: KTOS) a technology company in the defense, national security and global markets, and Airbus announced the successful completion of the first flight of the “U740-Valkyrie”…
Airbus Valkyrie combat drone completes first European flight
Airbus and Kratos have completed the first European flight of the U740 Valkyrie, with the demonstrator reaching Mach 0.8 during a test campaign intended to support development of a European Collaborative Combat Aircraft capability by 2029. The post Airbus Valkyrie combat drone completes first European flight first appeared on UK Defence Journal.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
