General Atomics will develop a drone armed with missiles to be launched from fourth-generation fighter jets

The US Department of Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has decided on a company that will develop a drone to be launched from a fighter jet. The choice fell on General Atomics.

Here's What We Know

The American company will create an unmanned aerial vehicle under the LongShot programme. The drone will be armed with air-to-air missiles, and fighter jets will act as a launch platform.

In the summer, General Atomics won a contract for the third phase of the LongShot programme. The company could receive up to $94 million.A demonstration of the new design will take place at the Air and Space Force Association, which will be held next week.

The new concept is primarily aimed at expanding the capabilities of fourth-generation fighter jets. Drones with air-to-air missiles will be able to increase their range and mission effectiveness. This was announced by C. Mark Brinkley, a spokesman for General Atomics. He essentially reiterated DARPA's February 2021 announcement.

So far, there are no official statements about what aircraft the new UAVs will be used with. The same goes for the armament. Nevertheless, the rendering shows the launch of an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile and an F-15 Eagle fighter jet.

In addition to increased range, LongShot will improve survivability of manned aircraft. DARPA believes that the new drones will be useful for both the US Air Force and the US Navy.

General Atomics was able to beat out two strong competitors, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. The company plans to receive $44 million to develop the project in 2024. The list of goals includes building a test pattern, missile launch demonstrations and integration into a fighter jet.

Source: Breaking Defence