DARPA LongShot

The DARPA LongShot program develops an air-launched uncrewed aircraft system (UAS), designated X-68A and led by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, designed to be launched from fighters, bombers, or transport aircraft to fly ahead of crewed jets, engage targets in contested airspace using its own air-to-air missiles, and extend air combat reach while enhancing launch platform survivability. Started in 2020 with initial contracts to multiple companies and General Atomics selected for continued development in 2023, the program is currently in advanced development with completed full-scale wind-tunnel testing, parachute recovery, and weapons-release trials; ground and integration testing ongoing, aiming for first flight tests from an F-15 as early as end of 2026 after prior delays. From a defense-intelligence perspective, LongShot reduces technical risks for air-launched platforms, enables host-platform agnostic operations to push engagement zones forward, and supports U.S. military services like Air Force and Navy in countering peer adversaries by increasing combat effectiveness without risking crewed assets.