US Marine Corps proceeds with second test flight of XQ-58A Valkyrie drone.

On February 23, 2024, at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, the Marine Corps conducted the second test flight of the XQ-58A Valkyrie, a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle produced by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions. Designed for cost-effectiveness and advanced functionality, the XQ-58A is part of an experimental program by the Marine Corps to explore new technologies and operational concepts that enhance the Marine Air Ground Task Force.
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Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie drone (Picture source: US DoD)

This program is aligned with the Department of Defense’s Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve, which aims to expedite the deployment of innovative solutions within the military. The recent test flight is a component of Project Eagle, an initiative to update Marine Corps aviation in line with Force Design modernization goals. Project Eagle intends to influence the development of technologies and strategies for future warfare up to the year 2040.

The test flight was facilitated through collaboration between the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab and the Cunningham Group, under the Deputy Commandant for Aviation’s office, along with contributions from the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the 40th Flight Test Squadron, the 96th Test Wing of the U.S. Air Force, Naval Air Systems Command, and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s AIRWorks.

Key personnel, including Lt. Col. Bradley Buick from the Cunningham Group, have highlighted the importance of developing aviation assets that can operate under challenging conditions and effectively engage adversaries. The collaboration extends across naval and joint forces, reflecting a commitment to innovation and the evolution of Marine aviation to address future conflict demands.

Lt. Col. Gavin Robillard noted the test flights' importance for Project Eagle, influencing the Marine Aviation Plan and supporting the Marine Air Ground Task Force.

The XQ-58A Valkyrie is undergoing six test flights to evaluate its potential in autonomously supporting manned aircraft, such as the USMC F-35B Lightning II, and the feasibility of AI-driven platforms in combat air patrols. The vehicle is expected to contribute to the Marine Air Ground Task Force with capabilities in electronic warfare, direct engagement, and support in lethal operations, as part of broader research initiatives including the development of the Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer Portfolio.