OTTOBRUNN, Germany — Airbus Defence and Space, in strategic partnership with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, announced on October 12, 2026, the successful execution of the maiden European flight test for the U740 Valkyrie uncrewed combat aircraft.
Executed on September 29, 2026, at an undisclosed test location in Northern Europe, the platform completed a rocket-assisted takeoff (RATO) off a launch rail, maneuvered across varied flight profiles at speeds reaching Mach 0.8, and validated dynamic in-flight mission updates. The test program merges Kratos’ combat-proven XQ-58 airframe with Airbus’ sovereign MARS (Multi-platform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure) mission architecture. The joint effort aims to deliver an operational, combat-ready Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and European allies by 2029.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: AIRBUS / KRATOS U740 VALKYRIE (CCA) 
* Co-Developers & Integrators: Airbus Defence and Space & Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
* Operational Mission Software: Airbus MARS (Multi-platform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure)
* Target Service Entry: 2029 operational timeline for the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) with Eurofighter manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) tests targeted for 2027
* Airframe & Structural Dimensions:
* Overall Length: 9.1 meters (30 ft)
* Wingspan: 8.2 meters (27 ft)
* Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): ~3,000 kg (6,600 lbs)
* Flight Performance & Operating Envelopes:
* Max Dash Speed: Mach 0.85 (Mach 0.8 demonstrated in European flight trials)
* Operational Ceiling: 45,000 feet (13,700 meters)
* Ferry / Mission Range: >5,000 km (>3,100 miles) unrefueled
* Launch & Recovery Architecture: Zero-length rocket-assisted rail launch (RATO) or conventional runway takeoff/landing; parachute/airbag recovery option
* Payload Configuration & Combat Roles:
* Internal & External Carriage: Low-observable internal weapons bay alongside underwing hardpoint pylons
* Primary Operational Roles: Autonomous loyal wingman strike, electronic warfare (EW), airborne reconnaissance (ISR), and tactical decoy/suppression missions
