Low-cost autonomous combat drone designed as a loyal wingman for crewed fighters. Capable of autonomous formation flight, AI-assisted target prosecution, and attritable strike roles.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie is designed to be fully expendable, with a unit cost of approximately 3 million USD compared to over 100 million USD for crewed fighters it would accompany. In 2023 it became the first aircraft to fly using only an AI pilot during a live flight demonstration at Edwards Air Force Base. The platform is central to the USAF's vision of affordable mass, where autonomous aircraft vastly outnumber crewed ones in future high-end conflict scenarios.
Multiple USAF test flights 2019–2024; tested autonomous air-to-air engagement AI algorithms
Kratos Defense (KTOS) is the primary publicly traded beneficiary, with XQ-58A development contracts representing a foundational program for the company's autonomous systems business.