Why XQ-58 Could Redefine Unmanned Warfare in the US Marine Corps by 2026
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According to FlightGlobal in an article published on August 8, 2025, defense manufacturer Kratos may be approaching a decisive stage in the development of its unmanned aircraft portfolio, with the possibility of its XQ-58 Valkyrie combat drone being designated as an official program of the United States Marine Corps (USMC). This development would represent the first orders for the autonomous aircraft beyond a limited test and evaluation framework. Although no signed contract has yet been announced, the decision in principle appears to have been made. According to Kratos CEO Eric DeMarco, several official US sources, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, have indicated that the Valkyrie would be the first “collaborative combat aircraft” to be produced and deployed for the Marines.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The US Marine Corps has already conducted several flight tests with the XQ-58, including pairing it with Lockheed Martin F-35B stealth fighters for electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses (Picture source: US DoD)
The XQ-58A Valkyrie is a high-performance unmanned aircraft developed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Designed for high speed, long range, and maximum operational flexibility, it can operate without a runway, enabling deployment in austere environments. Falling under the category of “attritable” aircraft, it is built to carry out critical missions while maintaining production and operating costs low enough to tolerate combat losses. The platform combines agility, maneuverability, and low maintenance requirements, and can be employed for a variety of roles, including electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and communications relay.
Developed in just two and a half years from contract award to its first flight in March 2019, the Valkyrie reflects a shift in acquisition and production methods, making use of commercial manufacturing processes and advanced design tools to reduce cost and lead time. It is intended to allow the deployment of large numbers of aerial systems capable of complicating an adversary’s battlefield environment. In July 2023, it was used for the first in-flight test of artificial intelligence algorithms developed by AFRL, highlighting its potential as a platform for experimentation and technology integration.
The US Marine Corps has already conducted several flight tests with the XQ-58, including pairing it with Lockheed Martin F-35B stealth fighters for electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses. Specialized media have reported that the decision to acquire the Valkyrie was confirmed by senior Pentagon officials during a drone-focused event in July, where the aircraft was on display. DeMarco has noted the potentially substantial financial impact on Kratos’ tactical drone business if a production contract is awarded. The company could deliver up to 15 aircraft as early as 2026, having already started serial production of 24 units in anticipation of demand.
Although the US Air Force excluded the XQ-58 from the first selection round of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, Kratos is seeking opportunities in later phases. At the same time, the company is pursuing export prospects, notably in Germany, through a partnership with Airbus, aiming to deliver a variant for the Luftwaffe by 2029. Two additional potential customers, whose identities have not been disclosed, are also in advanced negotiations, with Kratos describing its position as sole-source.
In anticipation of future orders, the company has begun acquiring long-lead components for an additional 24 Valkyries, which could bring total production to 48 aircraft. Several variants are under consideration, including the original runway-independent configuration, a conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) version, a combined configuration, and a design specifically tailored for Europe. Two more variants may correspond to the needs of the undisclosed customers currently in the final stages of selection.
During a presentation to investors on August 7, DeMarco mentioned an indicative price of about $10 million per aircraft, without confirming its accuracy. For comparison, General Atomics, another manufacturer in the sector, previously stated its intention to market a solution well below $20 million.
Kratos is at a pivotal stage, with the XQ-58 Valkyrie potentially entering the US Marine Corps’ inventory while the company pursues international opportunities. The strategy combines early production, diversification of variants, and positioning in multiple markets to establish itself in the emerging field of collaborative combat drones.
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According to FlightGlobal in an article published on August 8, 2025, defense manufacturer Kratos may be approaching a decisive stage in the development of its unmanned aircraft portfolio, with the possibility of its XQ-58 Valkyrie combat drone being designated as an official program of the United States Marine Corps (USMC). This development would represent the first orders for the autonomous aircraft beyond a limited test and evaluation framework. Although no signed contract has yet been announced, the decision in principle appears to have been made. According to Kratos CEO Eric DeMarco, several official US sources, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, have indicated that the Valkyrie would be the first “collaborative combat aircraft” to be produced and deployed for the Marines.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The US Marine Corps has already conducted several flight tests with the XQ-58, including pairing it with Lockheed Martin F-35B stealth fighters for electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses (Picture source: US DoD)
The XQ-58A Valkyrie is a high-performance unmanned aircraft developed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Designed for high speed, long range, and maximum operational flexibility, it can operate without a runway, enabling deployment in austere environments. Falling under the category of “attritable” aircraft, it is built to carry out critical missions while maintaining production and operating costs low enough to tolerate combat losses. The platform combines agility, maneuverability, and low maintenance requirements, and can be employed for a variety of roles, including electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and communications relay.
Developed in just two and a half years from contract award to its first flight in March 2019, the Valkyrie reflects a shift in acquisition and production methods, making use of commercial manufacturing processes and advanced design tools to reduce cost and lead time. It is intended to allow the deployment of large numbers of aerial systems capable of complicating an adversary’s battlefield environment. In July 2023, it was used for the first in-flight test of artificial intelligence algorithms developed by AFRL, highlighting its potential as a platform for experimentation and technology integration.
The US Marine Corps has already conducted several flight tests with the XQ-58, including pairing it with Lockheed Martin F-35B stealth fighters for electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses. Specialized media have reported that the decision to acquire the Valkyrie was confirmed by senior Pentagon officials during a drone-focused event in July, where the aircraft was on display. DeMarco has noted the potentially substantial financial impact on Kratos’ tactical drone business if a production contract is awarded. The company could deliver up to 15 aircraft as early as 2026, having already started serial production of 24 units in anticipation of demand.
Although the US Air Force excluded the XQ-58 from the first selection round of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, Kratos is seeking opportunities in later phases. At the same time, the company is pursuing export prospects, notably in Germany, through a partnership with Airbus, aiming to deliver a variant for the Luftwaffe by 2029. Two additional potential customers, whose identities have not been disclosed, are also in advanced negotiations, with Kratos describing its position as sole-source.
In anticipation of future orders, the company has begun acquiring long-lead components for an additional 24 Valkyries, which could bring total production to 48 aircraft. Several variants are under consideration, including the original runway-independent configuration, a conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) version, a combined configuration, and a design specifically tailored for Europe. Two more variants may correspond to the needs of the undisclosed customers currently in the final stages of selection.
During a presentation to investors on August 7, DeMarco mentioned an indicative price of about $10 million per aircraft, without confirming its accuracy. For comparison, General Atomics, another manufacturer in the sector, previously stated its intention to market a solution well below $20 million.
Kratos is at a pivotal stage, with the XQ-58 Valkyrie potentially entering the US Marine Corps’ inventory while the company pursues international opportunities. The strategy combines early production, diversification of variants, and positioning in multiple markets to establish itself in the emerging field of collaborative combat drones.
