In Norse mythology, Valkyries were Odin’s maidens who would select worthy fallen warriors to be brought to the Halls of Valhalla. A Valkyrie was viewed as a powerful being who could change the course of war by bringing destruction to unfavorable warriors. They would also protect the lives of the warriors that they found pleasing. A Valkyrie was considered to be fair and just, even though she could be brutal. It is perhaps these attributes that influenced Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to name their stealth drone the XQ-58 Valkyrie.

Founded by Masood and Massih Tayebi in 1994 out of San Diego, CA, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions originated as Wireless Facilities Incorporated, a company invested in the development and support of telecommunication infrastructure. In the early 2000s, the company acquired several small to mid-sized public safety and professional firms. As they began to shift focus to defense, changing their name to Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in 2007, Kratos had sold most of their services to the United States Department of Defense.

As branches of the US military forces began relying on drone technology, Kratos once again shifted their focus. They began working on their class of Valkyrie drones as part of the United States Air Force Research Laboratory’s Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) program. The goal of LCAAT was to find faster developmental methods for unmanned technology while keeping costs at a minimum. One of the keys to enabling rapid, mass drone development at lower costs would be the ability of developers to utilize commercial manufacturing processes. With Kratos’s portfolio of acquisitions, they were an ideal fit for the LCAAT program.

Kratos claims that they can produce 250-500 Valkyrie drones a year at a cost of $2 million-$4 million per aircraft, depending on order numbers. And while that may seem like a high price, it is a fraction of the $40 million a single Predator drone costs. The Valkyrie is a stealthy “loyal wingman” drone. It was developed to be flown alongside a manned aircraft to offer support. It can provide situational awareness, deploy defensive fire, or take offensive strikes to protect manned aircraft. The drone can be flown individually or in a swarm for greater coverage.

The Valkyrie drone has a total weight of 2,500 lbs and can support an additional payload of 3,500 lbs for a combined takeoff weight of 6,000 lbs. It has a trapezoidal fuselage and V-shaped tail. The total length of the drone is 30 ft with a wingspan of 27 ft. The total height is only 8.3 ft. The drone’s cruising speed is 476 knots with a max speed of 566 knots. It can be flown at elevations of 45,000 ft and cover approximately 3,000 nautical miles. Valkyrie is launched from a trolley that can be easily transported. This makes the drone deployable even if a runway isn’t present.

On March 5, 2019, the XQ-58 Valkyrie completed its first test flight at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. In March of 2021, the drone completed its sixth test flight, this time demonstrating how its bay doors operate. The Valkyrie successfully released a 27 lb Area-I Altius-600, a small tactical drone. In August of 2023, the Valkyrie completed another successful test flight at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. This test proved the Valkyrie’s capabilities as a “loyal wingman” drone as it was flown alongside an F-15 Eagle Strike manned fighter jet.

For Kratos, the Valkyrie represents how drones will be used in future warfare. “Representing a clean-sheet, low-cost tactical UAS, the XQ-58A is changing the paradigm for tactical UAS technology,” the company states. “The XQ-58A delivers a combination of long-range, high-speed, and maneuverability along with the capability to deliver a mix of lethal weapons from its internal bomb bay and wing stations. Runway-independence and extreme range deliver maximum operational flexibility and utility to the warfighter.”

The XQ-58 Valkyrie emulates the traits of the Valkyries of Norse mythology and stands as a testament to Kratos Defense & Security Solutions’ innovative approach to unmanned aerial systems. With its blend of advanced capabilities, cost-efficiency, and versatility as a ‘loyal wingman,’ the Valkyrie not only enhances the tactical prowess of modern air forces but also sets a precedent for future drone technologies. As military strategies evolve, the Valkyrie’s role as a force multiplier promises to redefine aerial operations, ensuring greater effectiveness and adaptability in the face of evolving threats.

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