DARPA • Page 3 of 12

Jan- 2026 -

19 January

Drones - Latest News, Features & Expert Opinion

US DARPA Taps Shearwater AI to Extend Drone Flight Endurance

The US DARPA has selected Shearwater Aerospace to provide AI software that helps drones exploit wind currents to extend flight endurance.

Dec- 2025 -

9 December

Drones - Latest News, Features & Expert Opinion

Artist's rendition of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Lift Challenge

Rojoef Manuel

DARPA Pushes Small Drone Payload Limits in ‘Lift Challenge’

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has launched a competition to develop small unmanned aerial systems that can exceed current payload capacity.

Oct- 2025 -

22 October

Technology

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 41st Field Artillery Brigade acts as a simulated casualty after an opposition forces attack during Saber Guardian 25, Cincu Training Area, Romania, June 13, 2025. The aid station enables rapid triage, treatment, and evacuation of casualties, ensuring readiness and lifesaving support in austere operational environments. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Hunter Carpenter) Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe and the Arctic region alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment and leverages host nation capabilities to increase the U.S. Army’s operational reach. During three large-scale combat training exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—Ally and partner forces integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, demonstrating combined command and control structures and readiness to respond to crisis and conflict.

Rojoef Manuel

DARPA Seeks ‘Smart Blood’ to Boost Warfighter Endurance

DARPA has issued a solicitation for modified red blood cells that improve troop performance and survival in extreme environments.

Aug- 2025 -

26 August

Cyber

Tactical air control party personnel setting field radio antenna

Rojoef Manuel

US Firms Join DARPA Effort to Develop ‘Weird’ Covert Communication Systems

The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has teamed up with five American firms to develop covert communication systems designed to withstand advanced surveillance under its Provably Weird Network Deployment and Detection program.

21 August

Technology

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

Peraton Trials AI Control on Damaged Robotic Vehicle, Rough Navy Resupply

Peraton has demonstrated an artificial intelligence control system that keeps robotic platforms operating safely in extreme conditions, including when damaged.

15 August

Americas

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

DARPA Builds ‘World’s Largest’ Real-Time EW Test Range for Next-Gen RF Systems

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has developed the “world’s largest” virtual radio frequency test range for electronic warfare.

Jul- 2025 -

15 July

Air

Rojoef Manuel

DARPA Scraps ‘Liberty Lifter’ Seaborne Cargo Plane Program

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has cancelled its effort to assemble the Liberty Lifter seaborne heavy transport aircraft.

10 July

Air

Artist's concept of Bell Textron's X-plane for DARPA SPRINT program

Christine Casimiro

Bell Textron Beats Aurora in DARPA X-Plane Program

Bell Textron has been chosen as the sole contractor for the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) high-speed experimental aircraft initiative, beating Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences out of the competition.

Jun- 2025 -

30 June

Air