In a new milestone for the development of the XQ-58A Valkyrie, the United States Air Force (USAF) has announced that it conducted pioneering tests in which its F-16C and F-15E fighters were able to control this type of drone in simulated combat scenarios. This marks a significant step toward integrating what are known as Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs) with manned aircraft. According to reports, the tests took place at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and involved a total of four XQ-58A drones, which were evenly controlled by the participating fighters.
Among the official statements released, those made by Brigadier General Jason E. Bartolomei—currently serving as the Director of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)—stand out: “With this flight, we are taking a critical step in developing capabilities that harness human-machine teaming to meet complex threats and expand our advantages. By developing and integrating autonomous platforms with crewed systems, we can rapidly adapt, increase combat effectiveness, and reduce risk to our crews in contested environments.”
It’s worth recalling that the XQ-58A Valkyrie drones recently tested by the U.S. Air Force are the result of a joint effort between the AFRL and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, with support from the Pentagon’s Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve. This program operates under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. The tests also involved the Air Force Materiel Command’s Test Center, Air Combat Command, and the U.S. Navy.
As for the goals of the Valkyrie’s development, the AFRL’s official statement following the evaluations noted that the platform aims to reduce pilot workload during combat while enhancing situational awareness in the operational environment. They also emphasized that the Valkyrie represents a more affordable capability than a manned platform, with the added benefit of being deployable from austere airstrips in hostile areas. Furthermore, it was stressed that the pilot linked to the drone retains “strategic and ethical” control over its actions at all times—an important point given ongoing industry and policy concerns about the responsible development of artificial intelligence.
Lastly, in terms of known characteristics, the XQ-58A Valkyrie was developed as part of the Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Technologies (LCAAT) initiative, aimed at delivering a high-speed, long-range drone capable of integrating with USAF crewed aircraft. The platform features a stealth-optimized fuselage and an internal weapons bay, is designed for launch from a ground rail, and recovers via parachute. In its current configuration, the drone is capable of carrying out strike, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance missions, while also serving as a decoy for enemy air defenses and as a communications relay between the operational zone and command centers.
Image credits: 2nd Lt. Rebecca Abordo – Ilka Cole
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