Why XQ-58 Could Redefine Unmanned Warfare in the US Marine Corps by 2026
According to FlightGlobal in an article published on August 8, 2025, defense manufacturer Kratos may be approaching a decisive stage in the development of its unmanned aircraft portfolio, with the possibility of its XQ-58 Valkyrie combat drone being designated as an official program of the United States Marine Corps (USMC). This development would represent the first orders for the autonomous aircraft beyond a limited test and evaluation framework. Although no signed contract has yet been announced, the decision in principle appears to have been made. According to Kratos CEO Eric DeMarco, several official US sources, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, have indicated that the Valkyrie would be the first “collaborative combat aircraft” to be produced and deployed for the Marines.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie is a high-performance unmanned aircraft developed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Designed for high speed, long range, and maximum operational flexibility, it can operate without a runway, enabling deployment in austere environments. Falling under the category of “attritable” aircraft, it is built to carry out critical missions while maintaining production and operating costs low enough to tolerate combat losses. The platform combines agility, maneuverability, and low maintenance requirements, and can be employed for a variety of roles, including electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and communications relay.