XQ-58 Valkyrie
Summary
| Category | Military Drones |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Manufacturer | Kratos |
| First flight | 5 March 2019 |
| Year introduced | None |
| Number produced | None units |
| Average unit price | $4 million |
Technical specifications
| Version: XQ-58A | |
|---|---|
| Operational range | 5,600 km (3,480 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 1048 km/h (651 mph) |
| Wingspan | 8.2 m (26.9 ft) |
| Length | 9.1 m (29.9 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 14,000 m (45,932 ft) |
| Empty weight | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 x Williams FJ33 delivering 8 kN each |
All operators
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Air-to-Air Medium-Range AIM-120 AMRAAM
Bombs payload:
- Guided Bomb GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb
Description
The Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie is a stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s Low Cost Attritable Strike Demonstrator (LCASD) program. Originally designated the XQ-222, the aircraft conducted its first flight on 5 March 2019 at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. It is designed as a "loyal wingman" to escort manned fighters such as the F-22 or F-35 during combat missions. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is the primary manufacturer, with Northrop Grumman joining in 2026 to develop an operational version for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). Kratos estimates unit costs at $4 million for an annual production rate of 50 aircraft, decreasing to under $2 million if more than 100 airframes are built annually.
The aircraft features stealth design elements including a trapezoidal fuselage with chined edges, a V-tail, and an S-shaped air intake. It is powered by a single Williams FJ33 turbofan providing 2,000 lbf of thrust. The XQ-58 is capable of three launch and recovery configurations: a rocket-boosted rail system, a trolley launch with parachute landing, and a version with conventional landing gear. The system is compatible with "nondescript launch modules" including shipping containers, semi-trailer trucks, and support ships. Maximum takeoff weight is 6,000 lb (2,722 kg), with a cruise speed of 476 knots and an approximate range of 3,000 nmi.
Payload capacity is 600 lb (272 kg) in an internal weapons bay and 600 lb (272 kg) on external mid-wing hardpoints. Internal carriage options include the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) and the Altius-600 small unmanned aircraft system, the latter of which was first released in flight during a March 2021 test. The rail and trolley-launched versions carry up to four GBU-39 bombs, while the conventional landing gear variant is limited to two. Future production models are planned to include underwing hardpoints for munitions such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM.
The XQ-58 has been utilized as a testbed for the USAF Skyborg program and the USMC Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer – Portfolio (PAACK-P). In August 2023, the aircraft conducted formation flight with an F-15E Strike Eagle at Eglin Air Force Base. The U.S. Navy ordered two aircraft for testing in 2023. In July 2025, Airbus and Kratos announced a partnership to develop a derivative for the German Air Force, intended to be combat-ready by 2029 with a deep-strike range exceeding 540 nmi. In January 2026, the USMC officially selected the platform for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.
Main Variants
- XQ-58A: Original prototype and experimental testbed used for evaluation by U.S. military branches.
- MQ-58B: Electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) variant developed for the U.S. Marine Corps.