USMC completes first data link test with ‘Loyal Wingman’

The US Marine Corps (USMC) has successfully conducted its first joint force data link integration test using a Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). The test, which took place during Exercise Emerald Flag 2024, saw the Valkyrie, nicknamed “Loyal Wingman”, transmitting targeting data to Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning IIs and aircraft from other services. The XQ-58A, acquired by the USMC as part of the Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer Portfolio (PAACK-P) programme, serves as a testbed for the