The US Marine Corps took the XQ-58A Valkyrie attack drone to the skies for the first time

The US Marine Corps has begun flight testing of the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone. It was delivered to the service by Kratos Defence.

Here's What We Know

The XQ-58A Valkyrie is an attack drone that will be used by the US Marine Corps alongside the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. The drone will be used as an unmanned electronic warfare platform.

The first flight of the XQ-58A Valkyrie took place on 3 October 2023 at the US Air Force Base Eglin, Florida. The test collected important data that will help determine future service requirements.

The Marines are purchasing unmanned platforms as part of the Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer - Portfolio (PAACK-P) programme. The first drone was delivered in mid-March of this year. The service has already received a total of two UAVs.

The series of tests includes six flights. They will help evaluate the XQ-58A Valkyrie's ability to support reconnaissance, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The Marine Corps also intends to test UAV's potential to work with artificial intelligence.

Source: US Marine Corps