By Johnny Franks, Warrior Editorial Fellow
In an era characterized by intensifying geopolitical frictions, particularly amongst the world’s preeminent powers, the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is orchestrating a cutting-edge initiative: the LongShot program. This initiative seeks to create an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is distinct in its capacity to be air-launched from a manned aircraft and armed with a plurality of air-to-air missiles. Such a concept marks a significant departure from conventional warfare doctrines. The recent announcement by General Atomics regarding the commencement of flight tests for its LongShot drone iteration in December 2023 underscores the transition of the program from theoretical construct to tangible, actionable technology.
The essence of the LongShot UAV’s strategic utility lies in its potential to substantially increase engagement ranges, elevate mission efficacy, and ultimately diminish the exposure of manned aircraft to hostile threats. This leap in aerial combat technology is a core element of DARPA’s broader strategic response to the escalating demands of drone warfare, articulated in Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks’ “Replicator” initiative. This initiative is predicated on the rapid acquisition of a diverse array of drones across a multitude of operational domains.
Amid shifting global power dynamics, the LongShot program’s strategic ramifications are particularly relevant. The UAV’s integration into a comprehensive drone swarm could be instrumental in undermining adversarial defense systems, notably in scenarios akin to a hypothetical Chinese incursion into Taiwan. This aligns with the overarching strategic imperative of deterring belligerent posturing and countering the advanced military capabilities of other global powers. The conceptualization of the LongShot drone as a “loyal wingman” will potentially usher in a renaissance in conventional air combat paradigms. By operating alongside manned aircraft, these drones can assume roles as decoys, sensor ranges, and infiltrate zones deemed excessively hazardous for crewed aircraft, particularly in contexts dominated by advanced surface-to-air defense systems or aerial threats.
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The growing reliance on sophisticated unmanned systems has commenced a reevaluation of the future trajectory of air combat. The progression towards beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile engagements, coupled with the stealth attributes of both drones and fighter aircraft, underscores a growing shift in the dynamics of aerial combat. While AI-augmented systems such as the LongShot drone demonstrate marked superiority in dogfights and precision targeting, their deployment also reinforces the presence and capabilities of human pilots. The human pilot’s innate capacity for continuous situational awareness and decision-making in complex, dynamic air combat scenarios remains a steadfast advantage.
In light of the escalating military advancements of global adversaries such as Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, particularly in unmanned systems and missile technologies, the significance of DARPA’s LongShot program becomes increasingly pronounced. These nations are rapidly augmenting their military capabilities, with Russia and China, notably, developing sophisticated air defense systems and advanced UAVs. These advancements present formidable challenges to traditional US air superiority. Persistent missile tests by North Korea and the advancement of drone and missile technologies by Iran intensify the urgency for innovative and effective countermeasures. Consequently, the LongShot program emerges as a critical element in the U.S. strategic response, aimed at maintaining aerial combat dominance amid these evolving global military landscapes.
Johnny Franks holds an MA in U.S. Foreign Policy & National Security from American University and a BA in Diplomacy & World Affairs from Occidental College. With a specific interest in geopolitical security and military technology, Johnny has primarily focused his research and analysis on the Russia-Ukraine conflict from 2014 onwards. . As part of his MA coursework, Johnny contributed to developing an Arctic defense strategy in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense.
