The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) reported that the U.S. Air Force recently conducted joint flights involving an F-16C Fighting Falcon and an F-15E Strike Eagle, with pilots controlling two XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned aircraft. The purpose of these exercises was to demonstrate ongoing progress in integrating manned and semi-autonomous systems in the air domain.
"The U.S. Air Force recently demonstrated a significant leap forward in human-machine teaming by flying autonomous platforms alongside manned fighter aircraft," AFRL stated.
Read more: XB-70 Valkyrie: How a Promo Photoshoot Doomed a Supersonic Nuclear Bomber That Was Meant to Flatten Moscow
However, specific details of these exercises have not yet been disclosed. AFRL emphasized that integrating manned and unmanned systems on the battlefield will be crucial for ensuring mass, agility, flexibility, and mission success.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time the XQ-58A Valkyrie has flown alongside manned fighters during exercises. The first such semi-autonomous flight with this relatively large UAV took place in late 2020.
At that time, the XQ-58A Valkyrie was tested in conjunction with a specialized data and communications gateway, allowing stealth fighters such as the F-22 and F-35A to exchange information covertly.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie is capable of carrying weapons both in its internal bays and on external pylons. Previous reports indicated that this drone could carry up to four GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB).
In 2024, Kratos, the manufacturer of the drone, mentioned the MQ-58B variant, designed for missions to suppress enemy air defenses (SEAD). Earlier reports also suggested that the XQ-58 could be equipped with two AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.
Read more: Ukrainian Defense Industry to Build an Ammo Chemicals Plant in the U.S.
