US Air Force tests experimental XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned fighter jet for ‘loyal wingman’ air warfare role

The XQ-58A Valkyrie, a jet-powered drone designed to fly alongside manned fighter jets and navigate autonomously, completed its first test flight at Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona, according to an Air Force announcement and video released Wednesday.

The flight test is a major step forward for an experimental “loyal wingman” concept that envisions small robotic drones accompanying fighter jets into combat, scout ahead or absorb enemy fire. Military experts have suggested such systems would be useful in a war between two rival nations, something that aligns with the Pentagon’s increasing focus on competing with China and Russia for military dominance.

The Pentagon has yet to commit to the idea. But the Air Force Research Laboratory is among several military agencies dabbling in such technology, partnering with a San Diego-based company called Kratos Defence and Security Solutions to develop the Valkyrie.

Chicago-based aerospace giant Boeing introduced its own “loyal wingman” prototype drone last month at a trade show in Australia, according to the trade publication Defence News. It expects its variant to achieve first flight next year.

The Valkyrie has an estimated unit cost of between US$2 million and US$3 million, something that is intended to give it a similar cost profile to the anti-aircraft missiles that enemies would theoretically fire at it.

And it is distinct from prevailing US drone models such as the MQ-9 Reaper in that it is jet-powered and can fly at supersonic speeds, something that could enable it to keep pace with an F-16 or F-35 fighter jet.

The Valkyrie “is the first example of a class of [drone] that is defined by low procurement and operating costs while providing game changing combat capability,” Air Force Research Lab program manager Doug Szczublewski said in a statement.