GA - ASI (General Atomics) USA

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About General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.​

We Are​

The world leader in unmanned aerial systems.

We invent and pioneer modern solutions for military, security, governance, environmental operations and more.

We support our customers with the greatest medium-altitude and small unmanned aircraft systems, and cutting-edge mission payload and exploitation technologies.

Our Vision​

Enabling information dominance.

Our Mission​

Provide persistent, versatile, affordable airborne surveillance and effects, and turn surveillance data into actionable intelligence.

www.ga-asi.com

 

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GA-ASI and KONGSBERG Advance JSM Integration for MQ-9B​

Companies Bring Joint Strike Missile Weapon System to Leading Uncrewed Platform
FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW – 20 July 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and KONGSBERG Gruppen ASA (KONGSBERG) completed the System Requirements Review (SRR) and Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the integration of the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) weapon system onto MQ-9B. This design and integration effort is a jointly funded project by both companies aimed at providing long-range strike capability for MQ-9B and its customers. These reviews were successfully completed in Kongsberg, Norway, on June 30.
MQ-9B is an industry-leading uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) manufactured by GA-ASI and includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models. KONGSBERG produces the JSM, a best-in-class weapon system for use against high-priority targets.
“We recognize the value JSM brings to our MQ-9B platform,” said Niki Johnson, GA-ASI Vice President, International Capture and Government Affairs. “This integration effort shows how industry can effectively collaborate to integrate new capabilities and make them available quickly to our warfighters.”
MQ-9B is a long-endurance uncrewed platform that can conduct missions over land and over water. JSM is a fifth-generation stealth air-to-surface missile for use against high-priority targets.
“Having JSM integrated onto an uncrewed air platform – the MQ-9B – enables a highly capable strike mission set that can be employed in conjunction with or independently of piloted aircraft. This is an operational capability that we’re seeing greater interest in across the defence sector,” said Jens Gjestvang, Senior Vice President, Missiles and Aerostructures.
MQ-9Bs are multi-mission, multi-domain UAS that can operate in all weather conditions. MQ-9B aircraft are being flown by the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force, Belgian Defence, and the Japan Coast Guard. In addition, MQ-9B has been selected by Canada, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Qatar, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also been featured in various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail.

About KONGSBERG​

KONGSBERG protects people and critical infrastructure — from deep sea to space. Through innovation, collaboration, and determination, we develop technologies and solutions to serve the defense, security, and surveillance markets. KONGSBERG combines military and civilian expertise to drive rapid innovation for defense, research, and commercial applications. The JSM is a 5th generation strike missile, engineered to evade advanced defence systems. The missile has been selected by Norway, Japan, Australia, the US and Germany.
About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is the world’s foremost builder of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Logging more than 9 million flight hours, the Predator® line of UAS has flown for over 30 years and includes MQ-9A Reaper®, MQ-1C Gray Eagle®, MQ-20 Avenger®, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®. The company is dedicated to providing long-endurance, multi-mission solutions that deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike.
For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com
Avenger, EagleEye, Gray Eagle, Lynx, Predator, Reaper, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries.
ga-asi Jul 20, 2026

 

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U.S Air Force Awards GA-ASI Production Contract for FQ-42A CCA​

Company Will Produce Service’s New Uncrewed Combat Jets
SAN DIEGO – 17 June 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has received a production contract from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for the FQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The initial order is a significant milestone, beginning the delivery of production aircraft to the warfighter. GA-ASI designed, developed and flight-tested FQ-42A on an accelerated schedule unlike any fighter in recent history.
“This is an exciting day for our company and the nation,” said company President David R. Alexander. “Moving to production on FQ-42A is the result of an extraordinary partnership and many years of investments between General Atomics and the U.S. Air Force. We’ve been preparing for this order, and manufacturing is already well underway.”
The FQ-42A is a purpose-built, uncrewed fighter developed as part of ongoing investment in next-generation semi-autonomous combat aircraft. The aircraft’s modular design enables rapid integration of mission systems and mission autonomy software. GA-ASI’s software architecture, demonstrated through live flight tests on multiple airframes, provides the foundation for human-machine teaming in complex combat scenarios.
The development effort by GA-ASI fast-tracked, with the aircraft moving from contract award to first flight in just 15 months, one of the fastest rollouts of a new fighter in history.
GA-ASI was selected by the U.S. Air Force in 2024 to build production-representative flight test articles for the CCA program. The YFQ-42A successfully conducted its maiden flight in August 2025, validating a “genus/species” concept for rapid, modular, and low-cost uncrewed fighter aircraft development previously demonstrated in partnership with U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
GA-ASI’s approach enables a common core aircraft design that can be rapidly adapted for different mission sets and service requirements. GA-ASI’s Gambit Series concept for CCA envisions multiple variants that serve specific needs, including long-endurance surveillance; air-to-air superiority; air-to-ground strike and more.
GA-ASI has been building and flying uncrewed jets for nearly two decades, beginning with the company-funded, weaponized MQ-20 Avenger® in 2008. The company’s XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station jet, developed in collaboration with AFRL, is a cutting-edge model for autonomous collaborative platforms with advanced airborne sensing and served as a flying prototype for the FQ-42A concept.
Pre-production versions of the new fighter were designated “YFQ-42;” with “Y” designating a prototype phase. The award of an Air Force production contract means the forthcoming aircraft will be among the first in history to carry the novel FQ designation: “F” for fighter and “Q” designating the platform is uncrewed.
About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is the world’s foremost builder of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Logging more than 9 million flight hours, the Predator® line of UAS has flown for over 30 years and includes MQ-9A Reaper®, MQ-1C Gray Eagle®, MQ-20 Avenger®, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®. The company is dedicated to providing long-endurance, multi-mission solutions that deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike.
For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com

 

[Fatman17]

General Atomics Awarded US Army Extended Range Artillery Projectile Program​

SAN DIEGO (June 12, 2026) – General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA‑EMS) announced today it has been awarded a U.S. Army contract to demonstrate a long-range maneuvering projectile under the Extended Range Artillery Projectile (ERAP) program. The award funds flight demonstrations to validate a next‑generation, maneuvering 155 mm projectile capable of achieving significantly greater ranges than current rounds while maintaining precision in GPS‑degraded or denied environments. The Army is targeting Initial Operational Capability by fiscal year 2030, and this effort positions GA‑EMS as a potential production source for advanced munitions that extend the reach of Army self‑propelled howitzers.
“Our selection for the ERAP program reflects the strategic, sustained investments we have made to mature this critical technology and strengthen our manufacturing foundation. Over time we have expanded our production capacity, advanced our scaling innovations, and reinforced our readiness to design, qualify, produce, and deliver next‑generation munitions. This award confirms that GA‑EMS is ready to deliver extended‑range, precision capabilities that give the warfighter unmatched standoff range and lethality,” Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS said.
“Our projectile is engineered to provide extended range without rocket assist and remains compatible with legacy cannons and loaders. Its features include deployable wings and advanced redundant guidance systems. These capabilities provide agility and mission flexibility, supporting strike and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions,” Michael Rucker, vice president of GA-EMS Weapons Programs said.
GA‑EMS invested early to mature key technologies and reduce development risk ahead of the ERAP award, leveraging experience from other advanced projectile programs to position the system for rapid progress within the Army‑led effort. The company continues to invest in and expand its advanced manufacturing infrastructure in Mississippi. Its Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Tupelo is designed to support surge capacity, incorporating automation, modular production processes and new materials to increase efficiency.
“General Atomics has always proven it can deliver the technology needed to keep our armed forces on the cutting edge. American service members need the best tools to face today’s threats. This is exactly the kind of investment that will equip them for that job. Thank you to the Army for saying yes to next-generations munitions and yes to Mississippi defense expertise,” Sen. Roger Wicker said.
“This contract award strengthens our nation’s long-range precision fire capabilities while delivering real economic benefits to Mississippi. Investments like this grow high-skilled jobs, expand advance manufacturing capacity, and reinforce Mississippi’s critical role in equipping and supporting America’s warfighters, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith said.
About General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) develops innovative technologies to create breakthrough solutions supporting operational environments from undersea to space. From electromagnetic, power generation and energy storage systems, fission energy systems, and space systems and satellites, to hypersonic, missile defense, and laser weapon systems, GA-EMS offers an expanding portfolio of capabilities for defense, government, and national security customers. GA-EMS also provides commercial products and services targeting hazardous waste remediation, oil and gas, and nuclear energy industries. For further information, visit www.ga.com/ems.