DARPA's LongShot Program Delays First Flight Test to Late 2026

The unmanned aircraft system, dubbed the X-68A, will now focus on integration with the F-15 fighter jet.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced that its LongShot program, which is developing an unmanned aircraft system that can be launched from a bomber or fighter to launch its own missiles, is delaying its first flight test to as early as the end of 2026 - three years later than originally planned. The program has pivoted from a multi-stage glider flight plan to a more direct approach focused on a single, fully powered LongShot vehicle and changing the launch platform to F-15 integration.

Why it matters

The LongShot program is viewed as potentially useful for both the Air Force and Navy, as it could increase air combat reach and effectiveness from uninhabited, air-launched platforms. The delay in flight testing highlights the technical challenges involved in developing this new type of unmanned combat aerial vehicle.

The details

General Atomics, the sole contractor on the LongShot program after Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman were dropped, has completed a series of milestone tests and trials bringing the X-68A platform 'closer to flight testing.' The new flight tests are set to demonstrate the X-68A's capability to be launched from an F-15 fighter jet.

  • The first flight test for the X-68A was originally set to begin in December of 2023, but those planned tests did not occur.
  • The new flight tests are now aiming to take place as early as the end of 2026.

The players

DARPA

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the research and development agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military.

General Atomics

The defense contractor that is the sole contractor on the LongShot program, developing the X-68A unmanned aircraft system.

Col. John Casey

The DARPA LongShot program manager.

F-15

The fighter jet that the X-68A unmanned aircraft system will be integrated with for the upcoming flight tests.

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What they’re saying

“LongShot burns down significant technical risk and presents a viable path for the military services to increase air combat reach and effectiveness from uninhabited, air-launched platforms.”

— Col. John Casey, DARPA LongShot program manager (DARPA press release)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This delay in the LongShot program's first flight test highlights the technical challenges involved in developing new types of unmanned combat aerial vehicles, even with the support of DARPA. The program's pivot to focus on F-15 integration suggests the military sees value in increasing air combat reach and effectiveness from uninhabited, air-launched platforms.