LongShot

LongShot is a DARPA program to develop an air-launched uncrewed aircraft that carries multiple air-to-air missiles to extend the effective engagement range of crewed fighters. Instead of firing weapons directly from the launch aircraft, a fighter releases a LongShot vehicle at standoff distance from the threat; the vehicle then flies forward under its own power and launches its missiles from an advanced position, shifting the kinematic advantage decisively in favor of the friendly side.

DARPA ran Phase 1 concept designs in 2021 with General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, and down-selected General Atomics for Phase 2 and Phase 3 flight demonstration in 2023. Ground and captive-carry testing is underway, with free-flight milestones expected mid-decade. LongShot remains a DARPA prototype rather than a program of record, but it is closely watched as an input into Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft force-mix decisions.

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