Airbus Tests Valkyrie Combat Drone in Europe for Eurofighter Integration

Airbus has completed its first European test flight of the US-built Valkyrie combat drone, marking a significant milestone in its plans to integrate autonomous aircraft with Eurofighter jets for the German Air Force.

The September 29 flight over northern Europe demonstrated the aircraft's performance and progress in overcoming European airspace regulations that have previously complicated military drone operations.

Developed by US defense contractor Kratos Defense, the Valkyrie is a rail-launched uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) capable of traveling more than 5,000 kilometers. Airbus plans to equip the drone with its European-developed MARS Mission System, enabling autonomous operations, remote piloting and coordinated missions alongside Eurofighter aircraft.

Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schoellhorn described the initial flight as successful, noting that the drone reached speeds of Mach 0.8 while performing various maneuvers at different altitudes.

The aircraft is expected to undergo another test flight in the first quarter of 2027, incorporating Airbus' MARS technology. Its first coordinated flight with a Eurofighter fighter jet is scheduled for later that year.

Airbus and Kratos announced their partnership in 2025, targeting delivery of operational combat drones to Germany by 2029.

Schoellhorn estimated that each Valkyrie drone would cost approximately €20 million ($22.4 million), while Germany's potential requirement could reach 500 aircraft.

However, the German Air Force has yet to finalize its operational requirements, including whether the drones will primarily support air-to-air combat, ground attacks or electronic warfare missions. Greater clarity is expected during the first half of 2027.

Airbus is competing against major defense manufacturers, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, Anduril Industries and Saab, in the rapidly expanding autonomous combat aircraft market.

The program also addresses concerns surrounding Europe's dependence on American defense technology. Schoellhorn suggested that German or European manufacturing could become viable if sufficient orders materialize.

Although Valkyrie uses an American-built platform, its mission management, data processing and operational systems will be developed in Europe.

The approach represents a practical balance between leveraging existing US military technology and strengthening European defense capabilities, particularly as Germany seeks advanced unmanned aircraft to complement its fighter fleet.