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U.S. Marines unveil game-changing pair: F-35B and Valkyrie.
Lockheed Martin’s official X account has revealed a photo of a “paired” F-35B and Valkyrie. “Meet the future of air dominance. Two @usairforce F-35As paired up with an XQ-58A Valkyrie uncrewed combat aerial system for a recent test, showcasing the seamless connectivity of the F-35 with an autonomous platform—creating a team that’s even smarter and faster.” Lockheed Martin wrote. [Note: The photo shows two F-35As. Lockheed Martin originally posted the same photo claiming they were F-35Bs. That’s why the title is left with F-35B.]
The pairing of the F-35B Lightning II and the Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie represents a transformative step in combat aviation for the U.S. Marine Corps, embodying a shift toward a more distributed and networked approach to warfare.
The F-35B, with its short takeoff and vertical landing [STOVL] capability, is already a cornerstone of the Corps’ expeditionary strategy, offering unparalleled situational awareness and advanced strike capabilities.
Adding the Valkyrie as a loyal wingman amplifies the F-35B’s potential, creating a synergistic relationship where the unmanned Valkyrie acts as a force multiplier for manned aircraft.
From a tactical perspective, the Valkyrie introduces several critical advantages. Its ability to carry out high-risk missions, such as electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and missile strikes, significantly reduces the risk to human pilots.
The Valkyrie can operate semi-autonomously or be directly controlled by the F-35B pilot, effectively expanding the operational range and flexibility of the mission package. This pairing is particularly well-suited for the Marines’ concept of distributed operations, where smaller, dispersed units require robust air support in contested environments.
The Valkyrie’s low cost and expendability also allow commanders to take bolder operational risks compared to manned aircraft.
Another major advantage is the enhancement of survivability and lethality. The F-35B, equipped with its advanced sensors and stealth capabilities, can act as a command node, designating targets and coordinating attacks involving multiple Valkyries.
This reduces the risk of detection while overwhelming enemy air defenses with sheer numbers and varied vectors of attack. Moreover, by offloading certain tasks to the Valkyrie, the F-35B pilot can focus on higher-level decision-making, optimizing the overall mission effectiveness.
The F-35B-Valkyrie combination aligns seamlessly with the Marines’ Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations [EABO] doctrine, which emphasizes agility and the ability to project power from austere and forward-deployed locations.
The Valkyrie’s compact size and modularity make it ideal for operations from improvised airstrips or amphibious platforms. This allows the Marines to maintain air superiority and execute precision strikes in scenarios where traditional airpower might be constrained by logistical challenges or adversary anti-access/area denial [A2/AD] systems.
According to Colonel Derek Brannon, Deputy Commandant for Aviation in the Marine Corps, the recent tests during the Emerald Flag 2024 exercise showcased the effectiveness of this pairing. “The success of this flight test…pushed the manned-unmanned teaming concept a step further for the entire Joint Force,” Brannon noted, emphasizing its role in advancing digital communication and joint combat effectiveness.
Kratos Defense, the drone’s developer, highlights its affordability and ability to complement high-end manned aircraft. As a part of the broader Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer – Portfolio [PAACK-P] initiative, the program seeks to optimize combat air patrols and electronic warfare capabilities.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie, developed by Kratos Defense, is a highly capable unmanned aerial system [UAS] designed as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology [LCAAT] initiative. This initiative focuses on creating affordable, expendable drones that enhance operational capabilities while reducing risks to manned assets.
The Valkyrie’s specifications include a length of 30 feet, a wingspan of 27 feet, and a cruise speed of Mach 0.72 [approximately 476 knots]. It operates at altitudes up to 45,000 feet and has an impressive range of around 3,000 nautical miles. Its maximum takeoff weight is 6,000 pounds.
The drone is runway-independent, employing a rocket-assisted launch from portable systems and parachute recovery, allowing deployment from remote or austere locations. These features offer tactical advantages, especially in contested environments where traditional runways might be compromised.
The Valkyrie is equipped with cutting-edge systems, such as Link-16 for real-time tactical data sharing, enabling integration with allied and NATO forces. It can carry various payloads, including munitions, electronic warfare systems, and surveillance equipment, enhancing its versatility.
During recent tests, the drone successfully demonstrated autonomous electronic warfare capabilities, identifying and neutralizing simulated threats while sharing intelligence with manned platforms like the F-35.
Cost remains a key focus. Initially estimated at $2 million per unit, the current cost ranges between $4 million and $6 million, depending on configurations and production quantities. Kratos aims to scale production to lower costs further, making the Valkyrie an affordable option for numerous military applications.
In terms of operational versatility, the Valkyrie is being explored for roles as a “loyal wingman,” working alongside manned aircraft in combat scenarios. It is also central to the U.S. Air Force’s Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer [PAACK] program, which emphasizes collaborative, networked operations between drones and piloted aircraft.
Overall, the XQ-58A Valkyrie combines affordability, adaptability, and advanced technological integration, making it a critical asset for modern air combat strategies. It exemplifies a shift toward leveraging unmanned systems for high-risk and high-value missions while reducing reliance on traditional, costlier platforms.
In summary, the integration of the F-35B and the Valkyrie reflects a forward-thinking strategy that enhances the Marine Corps’ combat effectiveness while addressing the demands of modern, multi-domain battlefields.
It is a bold move toward leveraging manned-unmanned teaming [MUM-T] to ensure dominance in a future characterized by contested environments, advanced adversary capabilities, and the necessity for distributed and resilient operations.
(Bulgarian military)