Airbus and Kratos U740-Valkyrie completes maiden flight

Airbus's U740-Valkyrie uncrewed combat aircraft made its first flight on October 12, 2026, over Northern Europe. Built with Kratos for the German Luftwaffe and European forces, it pairs the Valkyrie airframe with Airbus's European MARS mission system. The 9-m aircraft cruises at Mach 0.8, launches from a rail system and is expected to enter service in 2029.

• U740-Valkyrie's maiden flight took place on October 12, 2026
• The aircraft is 9 m long and cruises at Mach 0.8
• Kratos's Valkyrie airframe carries Airbus's European MARS mission system
• Entry into service is expected in 2029