Airbus Advances Uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft Programme with Valkyrie Integration for German Air Force

Airbus Advances Uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft Programme with Valkyrie Integration for German Air Force

(IN BRIEF) Airbus Defence and Space is advancing development of an Uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft system intended for the German Air Force, with an operational capability targeted for 2029. The programme combines the Kratos Valkyrie unmanned aircraft platform with Airbus’ sovereign European mission system known as MARS, which includes the AI-powered MindShare software designed to coordinate missions across manned and uncrewed aircraft. Two Valkyrie aircraft are currently being prepared for test flights at Airbus’ Manching facility in Germany, with maiden flights expected later in 2026. The collaboration aims to deliver a cost-effective and rapidly deployable combat system capable of autonomous operations or integration with piloted aircraft through manned–unmanned teaming. As part of the broader system architecture, Airbus and Rafael are also enhancing the Litening 5 targeting pod used on the Eurofighter Typhoon to enable the aircraft to act as a command platform for coordinating uncrewed systems. The project seeks to provide modern air forces with scalable and affordable combat capabilities suited to evolving defence requirements.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, 14-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Airbus Defence and Space is accelerating development of an Uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (UCCA) capability intended for the German Air Force, with the goal of delivering an operational system by 2029. The programme is currently progressing at the company’s facility in Manching near Munich, where engineers are preparing two Valkyrie aircraft acquired from US partner Kratos Defense & Security Solutions for their first flight equipped with a sovereign European mission system.

The two aircraft, based on the Kratos Valkyrie uncrewed aircraft platform, are being modified and prepared for flight tests that are expected to take place later this year. Airbus and Kratos are combining their respective expertise to integrate advanced mission systems, develop operational capabilities and ultimately produce and deliver a fully missionised UCCA solution.

Airbus is equipping the aircraft with its Multiplatform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure (MARS) mission system, designed to provide a sovereign European command and control capability. At the core of MARS is MindShare, an artificial intelligence-supported software architecture that performs the functions typically handled by a human pilot while also coordinating operations across multiple platforms. The system can distribute decision-making and mission management across both manned and uncrewed aircraft within a mission network.

According to Marco Gumbrecht, integrating the proven Valkyrie platform with Airbus’ European mission system allows the company to offer Germany and its European partners a rapidly deployable combat capability. By combining an already flight-tested aircraft with sovereign mission software, the programme aims to avoid the lengthy development timelines typically associated with entirely new aircraft systems while maintaining European operational autonomy.

The collaboration between Airbus and Kratos is designed to create a flexible and cost-effective platform capable of operating in multiple mission roles. Steve Fendley highlighted that the Valkyrie’s existing flight record and production capability provide a strong foundation for the project. When integrated with Airbus’ mission system, the aircraft will be able to operate independently, work cooperatively in groups of uncrewed systems, or support manned–unmanned teaming missions alongside piloted aircraft.

The UCCA concept is designed to provide what defence planners describe as “affordable mass”—a capability that allows air forces to deploy large numbers of advanced systems at lower cost while expanding operational flexibility.

As part of the broader combat system architecture, Airbus is also working with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to enhance the Litening 5 Advanced Targeting Pod used on the Eurofighter Typhoon. The upgrade will introduce additional connectivity features, enabling the Eurofighter to function as a command aircraft capable of controlling and coordinating uncrewed systems in real time. Combined with updates to the Eurofighter’s avionics, these improvements are expected to enhance the aircraft’s operational effectiveness in future combat environments.

The Valkyrie aircraft itself measures 9.1 metres in length with a wingspan of 8.2 metres and has a maximum take-off weight of approximately three tonnes. It is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet and has a range exceeding 5,000 kilometres. The platform first flew in the United States in 2019, and multiple aircraft have since accumulated operational flight experience.

The Airbus-modified version of the aircraft is scheduled to conduct its maiden flight in 2026. Once operational, the system will be able to perform missions either autonomously or under the control of a piloted aircraft such as the Eurofighter. These uncrewed systems can undertake high-risk tasks that would otherwise endanger pilots, supporting both kinetic and non-kinetic operations across a range of mission scenarios.

Airbus and Kratos are initially focusing on a specific operational role for the German Air Force as they move forward with development of the UCCA system, aiming to deliver a credible combat capability within a timeframe aligned with evolving security requirements.

Media Contacts:

Christian Dörr
Airbus Defence and Space
+49 (0)170 560 2668
christian.doerr@airbus.com

Claire Cantrell
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.
Claire.cantrell@kratosdefense.com

SOURCE: AIRBUS