In a bold demonstration of the future of warfare, the U.S. Marine Corps unveiled the successful test flight of the XQ-58A Valkyrie at Emerald Flag 2024, marking a pivotal moment in unmanned combat systems and their integration into multi-service operations. Held at Eglin Air Force Base, the event showcased the growing role of unmanned tactical systems, with the Valkyrie playing a central role in the Marine Corps’ evolving strategy of manned-unmanned teaming.
Emerald Flag 2024, a cutting-edge joint military test event, focuses on integrating advanced technologies across air, space, and cyberspace domains. The primary objective? Sharpening long-range kill chains critical to modern warfare and strengthening joint force capabilities. The XQ-58A Valkyrie, developed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, exemplifies this integration, serving as a “loyal wingman” to manned aircraft like the F-35. Its low-cost, high-performance profile is engineered to reduce risks to human pilots while enhancing the combat effectiveness of the joint force.
During the test, the XQ-58A Valkyrie operated as a forward-deployed sensor platform, relaying critical targeting data to Marine Corps F-35Bs. Using a tactical data link, the Valkyrie shared real-time intelligence with manned platforms, cementing its role in shaping future joint warfare strategies. Col. Derek Brannon, Deputy Commandant for Aviation, lauded the test’s success, stating, “The success of this flight test during Emerald Flag pushed the manned-unmanned teaming concept a step further for the entire Joint Force.”
The Valkyrie is no ordinary drone. Designed for long-range, high-altitude missions, it boasts a stealthy design with low radar cross-section characteristics and a range of over 2,000 nautical miles. With the capability to carry a variety of payloads, including sensors and precision-guided munitions, it is a formidable force in reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and combat operations. Its ability to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously alongside manned aircraft is a critical aspect of the U.S. military’s strategy to maintain air dominance in complex, contested environments.
The XQ-58A’s participation in Emerald Flag 2024 underscores its growing importance in modern combat operations. As Col. Brannon emphasized, this test was about much more than just flying a drone—it was about advancing the entire manned-unmanned teaming concept and demonstrating the power of integrating autonomous systems into joint operations.
The success of the test marks a critical step in ongoing research under the Marine Corps’ Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer – Portfolio (PAACK-P) program. With support from multiple U.S. military branches and defense organizations, including the U.S. Air Force’s 96th Test Wing, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, and Naval Air Systems Command, this collaboration reflects the U.S. military’s unwavering commitment to developing cutting-edge autonomous platforms that will define the future of warfare.
As unmanned systems continue to evolve, their role in modern warfare is expanding. The XQ-58A Valkyrie is just the beginning of a broader transformation that will see unmanned platforms working alongside manned aircraft to dominate the battlefield. The test’s success at Emerald Flag 2024 highlights the significant strides the U.S. military is making in autonomous warfare, ensuring that the Valkyrie and systems like it will be pivotal in future joint operations.
With its first multi-service integration test behind it, the XQ-58A Valkyrie stands as a testament to the military’s forward-thinking strategy—a future where autonomous and manned platforms seamlessly collaborate to enhance combat capabilities and secure dominance in a fast-evolving global landscape.
