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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly]()
BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly
The first render for the demonstrator was unveiled in July 2025, with BAE Systems now aiming for the start of final assembly by the end of 2026 to prepare the aircraft for first flight by 2027.
-
![Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers]()
Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
The recent operational use and success of the APKWS laser-guidance kit on the UK RAF's Typhoons has driven demand from other Eurofighter customers for integration of the system on their own combat aircraft fleet, according to BAE Systems.
-
![Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success]()
Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success
The one-way-effector uncrewed aerial vehicle has also been tested by the British Army, following on from its contract award notice in February 2026.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA]()
Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
The contract signed between MBDA and Fly-R will see diamond-shaped loitering munitions developed and prepared in the UAE. How does this move fit into wider market trends in the region?
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up]()
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.
