Here’s The Best Military Drones From Around The World
Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie
This is one of the drones that is changing the game. Futuristic, yet functional and affordable (by military terms, at least.) Initially designated as the XQ-222, the Valkyrie UCAV (unmanned combat aerial vehicle) completed its first flight in March of 2019 as the XQ-58 Valkyrie. It is designed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions as a force multiplier underneath the U.S. Air Force Research Labratory’s LCAAT portfolio – LCAAT stands for Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology.
The XQ-58 Valkyrie is meant to accompany an F-22 Raptor or a F-35 Lightning II on combat missions as a ‘loyal wingman’, scouting ahead of the fighter or even taking a hit from enemy fire – if necessary. The XQ-58 is roughly 28 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. This thing is fast. It can reach speeds of almost 700 miles per hour along its 2,500 mile flight range.
Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie cost: $3 million per unit