Kratos Defense makes European CCA push with Airbus partnership
Kratos’ XQ-58A Valkyrie during a test flight. (Photo: USAF)
Kratos’ XQ-58A Valkyrie will be equipped with an Airbus-made mission system to be offered as a ‘European’ collaborative combat aircraft option to the German Air Force.
Airbus has joined forces with Kratos Defense and Security Solutions to develop a mission system on Kratos’ XQ-58A Valkyrie, to be offered for possible use by the German Air Force by 2029.
The XQ-58A is a long-endurance, high-altitude Loyal Wingman uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft (UCCA) that can be used in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and long-strike missions.
According to Airbus, the partnership with Kratos on the CCA will deliver “crucial capabilities” for European warfighters before the end of the decade.
The German Air Force has long emphasised a need for a CCA supporting its current crewed fighter jets, before
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![CH-47 Chinook: why the iconic helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender (updated 2026)]()
CH-47 Chinook: why the iconic helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender (updated 2026)
From its emergence as a ground-breaking design in the 1950s to its widespread deployment in diverse operations worldwide, the Chinook continues to leave an indelible mark on the aviation landscape. Shephard sums up the helicopter’s latest developments.
-
![US Air Force to increase JASSM anti-interference and accuracy capabilities]()
US Air Force to increase JASSM anti-interference and accuracy capabilities
The USAF is conducting market research to inform the procurement process for a new GPS/GNSS M-code receiver for the JASSM.
-
![US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies]()
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.
-
![How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics]()
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
