US Marines Test XQ-58A Valkyrie With Link-16: Pushing the Limits of UAV Warfare

The US Marine Corps has made a significant leap in advancing its unmanned aerial capabilities with a successful flight test of the XQ-58A Valkyrie, now equipped with Link-16 tactical communication capabilities. This demonstration, conducted last month, marks a critical development in the Marine Corps' drive to enhance its integrated and joint operational capabilities. The addition of Link-16 enables the Valkyrie to share real-time tactical data — including text, images, and voice communications — with a broader network of users, including NATO allies and other global military forces.

The Power of Link-16

Link-16 is a secure, standardized tactical data link network widely used by NATO countries. Its integration into the XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned aircraft allows seamless communication across platforms, enhancing battlefield awareness. This upgrade aligns with the Marine Corps' mission to deter conflict and defeat enemies in rapidly evolving combat environments. The test was groundbreaking in that it was the first instance of a US military aircraft being controlled via an off-board communication system, opening new possibilities for future autonomous and semi-autonomous operations.

The successful integration of Link-16 will play a key role in the upcoming Emerald Flag 2024 exercise, a multi-service and multi-domain event designed to showcase the ability to integrate various military assets in complex scenarios. This training exercise, scheduled for October, will push the boundaries of how the Valkyrie and similar UAVs can be deployed in real-world operations.

XQ-58A Valkyrie: Specifications and Capabilities

The XQ-58A Valkyrie, developed by Kratos Defense, is a versatile, low-cost unmanned aircraft designed to serve multiple roles on the battlefield. The Valkyrie cruises at a speed of Mach 0.72, can reach altitudes of up to 45,000 feet, and boasts an impressive range of approximately 3,000 miles. The cost per unit, including test and support equipment, hovers around $5.5 million, although Kratos is actively working to reduce this to as low as $2 million per unit — cheaper than many current missile systems. Additionally, the XQ-58B variant costs slightly less, at around $4 million.

One of the most valuable aspects of the XQ-58A Valkyrie is its runway independence, meaning it can be launched from remote, austere locations closer to enemy bases. This capability provides a significant operational advantage, particularly in contested environments where traditional runways may be unavailable or vulnerable to attack.

Expanding Roles for the Valkyrie

Beyond its kinetic strike potential, the Marine Corps envisions the Valkyrie playing key roles in electronic warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance, and even as a "loyal wingman" for crewed fighter jets like the F-35B Lightning II. Its adaptability makes it an excellent candidate for a variety of missions, allowing it to serve as a force multiplier in both offensive and defensive operations.

The Marine Corps' plans for the XQ-58A don’t stop at basic flight testing. The Valkyrie is central to the "penetrating affordable autonomous collaborative killer portfolio" program, a broader effort aimed at developing low-cost, expendable drones capable of supporting manned aircraft in combat scenarios. These autonomous UAVs could augment air patrols and provide crucial electronic support to manned platforms, thereby increasing the survivability and effectiveness of the entire fleet.

In early 2023, the Marine Corps acquired two XQ-58As and has since conducted three test flights. These tests are part of a broader series of six planned flights to evaluate various technologies, including autonomous flight and AI-enabled platforms. This testing phase is critical to determining how the XQ-58A can work in tandem with crewed aircraft like the F-35B, providing real-time support and potentially changing the dynamics of modern air warfare.

The Road Ahead

The Marine Corps’ successful test of the XQ-58A Valkyrie with Link-16 integration is a promising step toward realizing the full potential of unmanned aircraft in modern warfare. As the Valkyrie continues to evolve, it will likely become a pivotal component of future air operations, particularly in contested environments where speed, adaptability, and communication are crucial.

With the upcoming Emerald Flag exercise on the horizon, the Marine Corps is setting the stage for a future where manned and unmanned systems work seamlessly together, enhancing the force's ability to respond to threats across multiple domains. The XQ-58A Valkyrie, with its new Link-16 capabilities, will undoubtedly play a significant role in this vision.