Systems like the KQ-58A are far more than just drones. They are the advent of an entirely new age of warfare.
The “game of drones” is upon us. Multiple defense contractors and militaries from around the world are racing to develop swarms of increasingly sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These drones are becoming so advanced and numerous that many experts are speculating that the age of manned combat aircraft—and indeed, manned combat systems more generally—is over.
One system to keep an eye on in the coming years is the XQ-58A, developed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in collaboration with the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This new drone has been developed under the Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) Initiative. In this case, “attritable” means that the aircraft is affordable enough to be easily replaced if lost—yet can still conduct high-profile missions because of its level of technical sophistication.
Understanding the XQ-58A Drone
The XQ-58A is considered an “unmanned combat aerial vehicle” (UCAV) and is meant to serve as a “Loyal Wingman” to manned warplanes, such as the F-35 Lightning II and the F-22A Raptor.
The XQ-58A’s first flight took place in the blue skies above the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Since then, it has become a fast favorite of the United States military as the Pentagon races to beat the rest of the world in the drone race.
Also known as the “Valkyrie,” Kratos’ XQ-58A is a high-subsonic, long-range UCAV engineered for versatility and cost-efficiency. It is powered by a turbofan engine, producing almost 2,000 pounds of thrust.
The Valkyrie can achieve a cruising speed of Mach 0.72 and operate at altitudes ranging from 50 feet to 45,000 feet. Its maximum range of approximately 3,452 miles means that this system can undertake extended missions.
The drone’s mission set is equally impressive, as it can range from surveillance to combat quickly. Its compact design eliminates the need for traditional runways, as the Valkyrie instead utilizes rocket-assisted takeoff and parachute recovery systems—although it can now take off from runways with a new launch trolley system. Crucially, this runway-independent capability enables operations from remote or austere locations, enhancing its tactical flexibility.
Stealth is a key feature of the Valkyrie, too. The drone sports a low-observable profile that reduces its radar cross-section. There are internal weapons bays that can accommodate precision-guided munitions, such as two GBU-39 small-diameter bombs, with a payload capacity of at least 600 pounds internally and an additional 600 pounds on external hardpoints.
More recently, Kratos has experimented by including underwing hardpoints capable of carrying AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. Thus, the iconic defense firm intends to enhance Valkyrie’s already impressive combat potential.
Finally, Valkyrie has an all-important modular design, meaning that it can support a wide variety of payloads that range from electronic warfare (EW) systems to sensors. In other words, its aforementioned versatility is not merely a promotional tactic, but a real asset.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie’s Development History
In July 2016, the AFRL awarded Kratos a $40.8 million development contract. Valkyrie’s maiden flight, as noted above, took place in the year 2019. It passed its early tests with flying colors, and subsequent tests thereafter demonstrated its ability to fly at higher altitudes, carry heavier payloads, and integrate with manned aircraft such as the F-22 and the F-35.
In 2021, during its sixth test flight, the XQ-58A released an ALTIUS-600 small unmanned aircraft system from its internal weapons bay, showcasing its ability to deploy secondary drones. By 2022, the Valkyrie was tested under the nightmarish Skyborg Program, a US Air Force initiative to develop AI-driven UCAVs that operate alongside manned fighters. Two years later, in 2024, the XQ-58A demonstrated advanced autonomy during the Emerald Flag exercise where it integrated with F-35s and executed decisive electronic attack missions.
The estimated cost of a single Valkyrie drone is between $4 million and $6 million, with Kratos striving to decrease the cost below the $2 million mark once it produces the drone at scale.
The Valkyrie Shows the Future of Unmanned Warfare
The affordability of the XQ-58A system when compared to manned systems suggests the shift toward unmanned platforms in military affairs is unstoppable. It is truly a question of when, not if, the U.S. Air Force and the other air services become fully automated. For the time being, though, the United States Marine Corps has ordered two Valkyrie units. with the Air Force moving toward purchasing some for their Collaborative Combat Aircraft system.
Systems like the Valkyrie are far more than just drones. They are the advent of an entirely new age of warfare: one in which combat is fought across vast distances and where the warfighters themselves do not directly engage, instead relying upon their advanced machines to do the fighting for them.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert, a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.Image: Wikimedia Commons.
