In October 2023, the U.S. Marine Corps pulled off something that felt like science fiction. Their XQ-58A Valkyrie—a sleek, unmanned jet—took to the skies at Eglin Air Force Base without a cockpit, without a crew, and without issue. The Marine Corps confirmed the test flight as part of a growing shift toward autonomous systems that can operate alongside traditional aircraft in combat.
No Pilot, No Problem
What makes the Valkyrie different from standard drones isn’t just its size—it’s how it flies. Unlike smaller UAVs, this jet can take off autonomously, operate at near-stealth levels, and complete tactical missions without human direction. During recent exercises, the Valkyrie even fed live targeting data directly to F-35 fighters in formation, according to reporting from Business Insider.
A New Kind of Wingman
Designed by Kratos Defense, the XQ-58A is what the military calls a “loyal wingman.” It flies alongside crewed aircraft but can take independent action if needed—scouting ahead, jamming radar, or even engaging threats. Its development history highlights a growing trend: unmanned systems that are flexible, expendable, and battle-ready.
The Global Push Toward Uncrewed Combat
The U.S. isn’t the only one chasing this future. Turkey’s defense industry is making waves with the Bayraktar Kızılelma—a carrier-capable, AI-guided jet that’s already begun flight testing. While still in development, the Kızılelma project shows how fast the rest of the world is catching up in the unmanned fighter space.
The Road Ahead
For all its promise, the Valkyrie also raises tough questions. How do you train AI to make life-or-death decisions? What happens if communications fail? And how much autonomy is too much? Those questions aren’t fully answered yet—but one thing is clear: the skies of tomorrow may be quieter, faster, and completely pilot-free.
