Germany is charting a new course in aerial warfare with a long-range drone project that aims to outclass kamikaze drones seen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The upcoming platform is expected to hit targets up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) away, operate alongside manned fighter jets, and engage airborne threats with greater efficiency than today’s unmanned systems.
The German Air Force has reportedly invited major defense firms and startups to submit concept designs. According to local media, three teams are already preparing bids: Airbus with Kratos, Rheinmetall with Anduril, and German AI firm Helsing.
While Berlin has yet to formally unveil the program, early development is already underway, with the first drones planned to enter service by 2029.
Valkyrie Blueprint
The team of Airbus and Kratos is said to be proposing a version of the XQ-58A Valkyrie for Germany’s next-generation long-range strike drone.
Originally developed for the US Air Force, the Valkyrie is a low-observable drone built for reconnaissance, strike missions, and escorting combat aircraft.
The drone measures 9.1 meters (29.9 feet) long, has a wingspan of 8.2 meters (26.9 feet), and can fly up to 4,800 kilometers (2,982 miles) without requiring a runway.
It cruises at Mach 0.7 (864 kilometers/537 miles per hour) and can reach a top speed near Mach 0.85 (1,050 kilometers/652 miles per hour) while carrying up to 1,190 pounds (540 kilograms) of external or internal payload.
Its modular, autonomous design offers a reusable alternative to one-way drones and traditional cruise missiles, potentially aligning with Germany’s modern operational needs.
While Airbus and Kratos have shared early details, the concepts from Rheinmetall-Anduril and Helsing remain under wraps and are expected to surface once a formal tender begins.
