# Autonomous Combat Drones The 'Kratos XQ-58A' Offers Versatile Weapons Deployment At High Speeds By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2019-03-11 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/combat-drone References: [ir.kratosdefense](http://ir.kratosdefense.com/news-releases/news-release-details/kratos-xq-58a-valkyrie-completed-its-maiden-flight-march-5-2019) & [wpafb.af.mil](https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1777743/xq-58a-valkyrie-demonstrator-completes-inaugural-flight/) With warfare becoming an increasingly high-tech affair, drones have taken on a higher degree of importance than ever before, with the all-new [Kratos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tork-kratos) XQ-58A set to redefine standards thanks to its ability to function as an [autonomous combat drone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonobuoy-dispensing-system) that can carry out missions while keeping human controllers away from potential harm. Developed as part of a collaboration between Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems and the [U.S. Air Force](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cargo-glider), this particular combat drone is capable of hitting a top speed in excess of 1,000 km/h and can fly at altitudes of over 13,000 meters. It is capable of deploying a wide variety of weapons, allowing for versatile combat options. With its combination of high speed, a high range and array of weaponizing options, the Kratos XQ-58A aims to offer a significant tactical advantage out on the modern battlefield. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 71% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Autonomous Combat Drones:** Autonomous combat drones are redefining the standards of warfare and offering tactical advantages on the modern battlefield. - **High-speed Drone Technology:** High-speed drone technology is rapidly changing the nature of warfare and making missions safer for human controllers. - **Versatile Weapon Deployment:** Versatile weapon deployment options on combat drones are offering a significant tactical advantage in modern warfare. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Defense Industry:** Defense industry leaders should invest in and develop autonomous combat drone technology to gain a tactical advantage on the modern battlefield. - **Aerospace Industry:** The aerospace industry should focus on developing high-speed drone technology to support the next generation of autonomous combat drones. - **Military Technology Industry:** The military technology industry should prioritize developing versatile weapon deployment options on combat drones to keep up with the growing demands of modern warfare. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Missile-Firing Unmanned Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/missilefiring-unmanned-drone.md) - [Multi-Mission Military Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vtol-drones.md) - [Powerfully Propelled VTOL Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vtol-drone.md) - [AI-Powered Autonomous Defense Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helsing-ca1-europa.md) - [Laser-Controlled Military Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lasercontrolled-military-drone.md) - [Autonomous Cargo Gliders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cargo-glider.md) - [Autonomous High-Profile Combat Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorcycle-drone.md) - [Autonomous Cargo Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cargo-drones.md) - [Range-Roving Cargo Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rangeroving-cargo-drone.md)