Germany Seeks Hundreds of Combat Drones as Airbus Gets a Head Start
JAKARTA — Competition among defence companies to supply hundreds of next-generation combat drones to the German Air Force is intensifying. Airbus has drawn attention after successfully flying the U740 Valkyrie unmanned combat aircraft in Europe for the first time, in partnership with US defence company Kratos Defense & Security Solutions. The achievement gives the companies an important asset in the contest for a multi-billion-euro programme also pursued by Rheinmetall, Boeing and German defence technology company Helsing.
German defence publication Hartpunkt reported on 12 October 2026 that the Valkyrie’s maiden flight took place at a northern European test facility on 29 September. The aircraft reached a speed of Mach 0.8 and an altitude of about 30,000 feet (9,100 metres). However, the test did not include a tactical combat mission profile or full integration of the artificial intelligence systems Airbus is developing.
The development comes as the German government considers its requirements for unmanned aircraft that can accompany crewed fighter jets, including the Eurofighter Typhoon. German business daily Handelsblatt reported on 8 July 2026 that the Bundeswehr was planning to procure up to 500 combat drones of this type, with initial operational readiness previously targeted for 2029.
Neither the procurement quantity nor the operational timetable has been confirmed in a final contract. An October report by Hartpunkt indicated that the 2029 deadline was no longer considered binding, while Germany’s Ministry of Defence was still preparing a competitive process for manufacturers.
That situation gives Airbus’s successful test flight strategic significance. The company now has evidence of flight-test progress to present to the German government, although the technology contest and procurement decision remain open.
Bundeswehr targets hundreds of combat drones
The plan to procure companion combat drones is a major part of Germany’s air force modernisation. Unlike small reconnaissance drones or loitering munitions, the Bundeswehr is seeking jet-powered unmanned aircraft designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets.
Handelsblatt reported that the Bundeswehr was considering buying up to 500 aircraft capable of carrying weapons and conducting long-range missions. In its 8 July 2026 report, the publication cited a requirement for a payload of up to 500 kilograms of weaponry and a range of at least 1,000 kilometres.
Those figures describe reported requirements for Germany’s procurement programme; they do not necessarily represent the specifications of every candidate. Each company is offering a platform with different characteristics, levels of readiness and weapons configurations.
Meanwhile, German public broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk, through its BR24 service, reported on 8 June 2026 that plans involved procuring about 400 unmanned aircraft. The differing figures of 400 and 500 show that the reported scale of the requirement is still evolving and should not be treated as a final purchasing decision.
For the defence industry, the numbers nevertheless point to a substantial commercial opportunity. Procuring hundreds of unmanned combat aircraft would require investment in production, control systems, software, weapons, training and long-term maintenance support.
In an interview published by Handelsblatt in September, a German Ministry of Defence official also said Berlin was preparing a procurement approach based on technological competition. The government would set capability objectives and then give companies the opportunity to develop solutions for military testing.
That approach differs from selecting a single aircraft type from the outset. For Airbus, Rheinmetall and Helsing, demonstrating technological progress will be an important factor in the contest for a contract.
Airbus flies Valkyrie in Europe ahead of rivals
Airbus gained momentum after the U740 Valkyrie completed its first flight in Europe. The test was conducted with Kratos, the US company developing the underlying XQ-58A Valkyrie platform.
According to Hartpunkt, the aircraft was launched with rocket assistance from a dedicated launcher. The booster rocket was jettisoned about two seconds after take-off, after which the Valkyrie continued its flight using its main engine.
During the test, the aircraft carried out a series of manoeuvres at different altitudes and speeds. Airbus said all the initial flight objectives were achieved, including adjustments to the mission while the aircraft was airborne.
The Valkyrie reached speeds of up to Mach 0.8 and an altitude of about 30,000 feet during the flight. After completing the test programme, it landed by parachute and was successfully recovered by the test team.
However, the test did not demonstrate that the Valkyrie was ready to carry out an actual combat mission. Hartpunkt said the aircraft had not flown a tactical mission profile and was not yet equipped with the MARS mission system, a key part of Airbus’s concept.
This distinction matters because successfully flying an aircraft is not the same as operating a complete weapons system. A companion combat drone must also be able to receive commands, process information, work with other aircraft and carry out missions in accordance with military operating rules.
Airbus is targeting further tests with a more complete mission system in 2027. The company also plans a series of additional flights through early 2028 to develop the Valkyrie’s operational capabilities.