The in-flight demonstration at Eglin involved F-35B from the VMFA-214 USMC Squadron and marked the first-ever joint force data link integration test. The aim of the event was to demonstrate the VALKYRIE’s ability to serve as an adjunct sensor platform able to transmit the data collected back to the crewed F-35s and other joint forces elements.
The VALKYRIE was thus integrated into a 4-ship formation of F-35s and other aircraft, using digital communications and tactical data links, in particular the ubiquitous Link 16. Initial evaluation of the event was positive: the prototype system met threshold requirements for autonomous exchange of relevant tactical information.
The VALKYRIE activity was central in the USMC’s participation to this year’s EMERALD FLAG exercise. This USAF-led series of exercises was launched in 2020 exactly to facilitate joint integration of platforms across the services in a multi-domain environment. The events are hosted by Eglin Air Force Base since it offers numerous test and development components and a maritime testing range.
The USMC procured 2 XQ-58A VALKYRIE drones from Kratos at the very end of 2022, with a contract worth $15,5 million USD announced on December 30. The drones were procured as experimentation beds for the Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer, (PAACK-P) program which aims to demonstrate the kind of adjunct, uncrewed capability, including for lethal strikes, that the Service is pursuing in its Marine Air-Ground Task Force Unmanned Aerial System Expeditionary (MUX) vision.
The VALKYRIE drones first flew for the USMC in 2023, with further test events in February and September 2024. The EMERALD FLAG event took place in October. The VALKYRIE development was originally driven by the USAF’s Air Force Research Laboratory which wanted to demonstrate a high-speed, low-cost aircraft for the Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) project.
While the VALKYRIE has lost prominence somewhat in the USAF activities towards what is now known as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, it has caught the USMC’s attention thanks to its runway independence. The VALKYRIE can be catapulted into the air and then land hanging from parachutes, splashing in water if necessary. This makes it immediately compatible in principle with the use aboard big-deck amphibious ships and makes it an attractive solution for the Expeditionary Forward Basing operations of the USMC.
Under the original PAACK-P contract award, Kratos is to deliver a couple more tests of the viability of the 'loyal wingman' VALKYRIE. It is planned that the focus will be on autonomous electronic warfare support, , AI-enabled assistance to combat air patrols and delivering or supporting long-range fire missions. Some EW capability was already demonstrated earlier this year with a drone delivering an 'electronic attack' in conjunction with 2 F-35Bs. This test was not publicly announced at the time.
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