The U.S. Marine Corps successfully tested its XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned combat aerial vehicle as part of the Emerald Flag 2024 exercise, marking the first time the drone integrated with multiservice platforms using tactical data links. The test, held at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in October, demonstrated the Valkyrie’s ability to share targeting data with F-35B stealth fighters, advancing manned-unmanned teaming capabilities.
During the test, the Valkyrie acted as a forward-deployed sensor, providing crucial threat data to fifth-generation aircraft and joint forces. The integration test is part of the Marine Corps’ broader Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer-Portfolio (PAACK-P) program, which aims to develop autonomous systems to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
According to Marine Corps officials, the XQ-58A played a key role in enhancing joint situational awareness by relaying information from both airborne and surface sensors across a common tactical data link. The successful test brought the military closer to its goal of creating effective manned-unmanned teams that can quickly close “kill chains” — the process of finding and neutralizing threats in a combat environment.
Built by Kratos, the Valkyrie is a 30-foot-long, jet-powered drone with a 27-foot wingspan, capable of carrying a 600-pound payload. It has a range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles and can operate autonomously, making it a low-cost and effective asset for advanced combat missions. The platform, initially developed for the Air Force’s Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology initiative, is now a central component in the Marine Corps’ development of next-generation drone systems.
The Emerald Flag exercise, which focuses on joint integration across multiple domains including air, space, and cyber, provided an ideal environment to test the Valkyrie’s capabilities. Previous tests of the Valkyrie, including one in September 2023, verified its Link-16 data link capability, enabling the drone to autonomously share tactical information. The latest test builds on this by connecting the Valkyrie with other military aircraft, such as the Marine Corps’ F-35Bs and additional joint force platforms.
The Valkyrie will undergo additional tests under the PAACK-P program, with a total of six tests planned. These will further evaluate its potential to support F-35B fighters through autonomous operations, electronic support, and long-range strike capabilities.
