GA - ASI (General Atomics) USA

[Fatman17]

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

 

[Fatman17]

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

 

[Fatman17]

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.

 

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General Atomics Partners with Rafael to Build Precision-Guided Missile for U.S. Defense Customers​

SAN DIEGO – 07 APR 2025 - General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced today that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., Israel to be their partner and the U.S. prime contractor to manufacture a long-range, precision-guided strike missile. GA-EMS’ Bullseye™ missile will meet U.S. military specifications and will provide multi-platform launch capabilities from air, ground and sea for strike mass at an affordable price point. Representatives from GA-EMS and Rafael made the announcement at the Navy League of the United States, Sea-Air-Space Conference in National Harbor, MD.
“We are excited to work with Rafael to introduce Bullseye, a highly effective deep-strike missile. Bullseye will be built in the U.S. for delivery to U.S. military customers to support a variety of critical Department of Defense and coalition partners’ precision-fires missions,“ said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “By leveraging Rafael’s extensive investment in the design, maturation and testing of a unique, modular missile, we can reduce risk and development costs and provide production-scale delivery of a highly capable, high-performance precision-guided missile at significant per-unit cost-savings.”
“As a company that has spent decades pushing the boundaries of precision-strike technology, we are proud to partner with GA-EMS on the Bullseye program,” said Yuval Miller, executive vice president and head of Rafael’s Air & C 4ISR Systems Division. “By combining Rafael’s Combat-proven innovative 5th Generation missile technologies with GA-EMS’s advanced manufacturing, assembly, integration and test expertise, Bullseye will deliver unprecedented accuracy, flexibility and affordability, giving warfighters a state-of-the-art missile system that hits its mark and adapts to evolving mission needs.”
The GA-EMS Bullseye missile will showcase the weapon system’s effectiveness in identifying and engaging a range of targets for long-range precision strikes. Bullseye’s modular, scalable design will allow for incremental development, interoperability and system component upgrades to meet multiple Department of Defense (DoD) service requirements. The missile’s design is currently at Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL 8). Rafael has successfully performed aerodynamics, engine, seeker, launch integration and testing. Additional testing is being scheduled for flight qualification and to prove operational readiness with missiles on order and scheduled for delivery starting late 2025 and onwards.
The missile will be compliant with applicable U.S. military standards and will be built and integrated at GA-EMS’ manufacturing center-of-excellence in Tupelo, MS. which is recognized for its extensive expertise in engineering, design, integration, test and manufacturing of highly complex, specialized systems, subsystems and components supporting U.S. national security interests.
www.ga.com

 

[Fatman17]

GA-ASI and MBDA Commit To Weapons Collaboration​

Companies Will Integrate SPEAR Onto MQ-9B and Gambit 6

GA-ASI’s David R. Alexander (right) signs a memorandum of understanding with MBDA’s Chris Allam.
FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW – 21 July 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and MBDA have announced a commitment to integrate the European missile-maker’s SPEAR precision strike weapons onto new aircraft built by the American uncrewed aircraft manufacturer.
GA-ASI President David R. Alexander and MBDA UK Managing Director Chris Allam signed a memorandum of understanding that outlined the agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. The companies will work together to ensure the MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft and Gambit 6 collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) can carry and use the SPEAR weapons.
“We’ve built an excellent business relationship with MBDA as part of the integration of the Brimstone missile onto the UK’s Protector,” said Mr. Alexander. “So, working with MBDA to enable SPEAR on our broader MQ-9B line, and our Gambit CCA, feels like a very natural extension of our partnership.”
Protector RG Mk1 is the version of MQ-9B in operation for the UK Royal Air Force.
“The consolidation of MBDA’s relationship with GA-ASI is a testament to the strength of our long history of cooperation, most recently with Brimstone and Protector,” said Mr. Allam. “Remotely piloted aircraft and autonomous/collaborative platforms, such as MQ-9B and Gambit, are revolutionizing modern air combat. Integrating the innovative capability of SPEAR multiplies the effect these platforms provide into decisive operational advantage.”
SPEAR is MBDA’s miniature cruise missile, a next-generation air-launched surface attack weapon that provides a low collateral damage precision effect, with a high load out for persistence. SPEAR reaches beyond the horizon to ensure that the launch aircraft remains safely away from hostile air defenses, but with an engagement capability across a broad threat set.
GA-ASI’s long range, high endurance MQ-9B platform is in operation or on order by close to a dozen nations, including the UK, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, and Poland. The Gambit CCA is an uncrewed combat aircraft optimized for attack roles such as electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (DEAD) and stand-off precision strike, making it a versatile option for evolving security needs. GA-ASI and MBDA company leaders believe that the combination of these ready aircraft with the latest weapons will yield a highly relevant and quick-to-field new capability for global militaries.
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.
About MBDA
MBDA is a unique multi-national European group, a global leader in complex weapon systems, playing a key role in the protection of nations. Established in the spirit of international co-operation, MBDA and its 20,000+ employees work together to support the sovereignty of its nations, and allied countries worldwide. As an accelerator of innovation, MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and manufacturing complex weapons to meet all current and future operational requirements of all three of the armed forces (land, sea and air). MBDA is owned by Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%) and Leonardo (25%).
For more information, visit www.mbda-systems.com