Overview
- Airbus's U740 Valkyrie, which flew on 29 September, completed a European maiden test that met company objectives for a ramp launch, flight maneuvers up to Mach 0.8, parachute recovery, and helicopter retrieval.
- The U740 uses Kratos's XQ-58 airframe while Airbus supplies avionics and plans to fit the vehicle with its MARS mission system to run autonomy and mission management.
- MARS was not carried on the September flight and Airbus plans to begin tests with the mission system in early 2027 with a goal of operational readiness by about 2029.
- Germany has signalled large-scale interest in uncrewed combat aircraft with reports of 400–500 planned platforms, but formal procurement has not started and only a small study contract is expected before year-end.
- The programme ties tactical aims to industrial policy by combining a proven U.S. airframe with a European mission computer to preserve software sovereignty and create a stopgap 'Loyal Wingman' capability before larger domestic designs enter service.