General Atomics sole awardee for second phase of DARPA’s LongShot UAV project
GA-ASI is working on its proposal for Phase 3 of the LongShot programme, which will see prototype manufacturing. (Photo: GA-ASI)
Under LongShot, DARPA aims to increase the standoff range at which fighters can launch air-to-air weapons with an air-released UAV.
The US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) to continue supporting the LongShot programme, which aims to develop an air-launched UAV which is, in turn, capable of firing air-to-air weapons.
Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman also received contracts to work on LongShot under Phase 1 of the programme in early 2021.
On 6 March, DARPA confirmed to Shephard that GA-ASI was the only awardee for the second phase of the programme.
After a successful preliminary design review (PDR) last February, GA-ASI was selected to continue into Phase 2 of the project to
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?]()
What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?
The record-breaking defence budget request focuses on bolstering some core next-generation aircraft programmes across each domain, although questions remain on the US's commitment to some key defence programmes.
-
![Can UK interceptor efforts keep pace with the rising drone threat?]()
Can UK interceptor efforts keep pace with the rising drone threat?
The recent acquisition announcement for Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer solution is a key step in the UK’s efforts to bolster its counter-UAS capabilities, but more still needs to be done to tackle even smaller drone threats.
-
![Saab Gripen E/F: the multirole fighter that’s seeing a resurgence (updated 2026)]()
Saab Gripen E/F: the multirole fighter that’s seeing a resurgence (updated 2026)
The single-engine multirole fighter jet is seeing heightened demand with a sizeable orderbook and expanding export potential, as Shephard summarises the aircraft’s latest orders and developments.
