Since 1958, DARPA has held to an enduring mission: To create technological surprise for U.S. national security.

DARPA programs focus on the fundamental research required to establish proof of concept. Performer teams define the path for putting new technologies into use in service of our nation’s warfighters, and …

Managed by our technical offices, DARPA programs span the laboratory and applied sciences and advanced engineering disciplines. Typically structured in phases, each program tackles an urgent …

Feb 17, 2026 · “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,” …

As the world changes dramatically – and even the pace of change itself increases – DARPA seeks to engage the best ideas across specialties, communities, and perspectives to solve the greatest …

4 days ago · Eliminating one of the battlefield's most difficult choices – between the high speed of an aircraft that needs a runway and the go-anywhere flexibility of a slower helicopter – is the goal of …

The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) gained a “D” when it was renamed the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 1972. The Agency’s name briefly reverted to …

Mar 2, 2026 · Step into the future of science and engineering. Search DARPA stories for world-changing results and new opportunities to contribute as a program manager, research performer, or transition …

DARPA pioneered the construction of ground-based phased array radars such as the FPS-85. This radar system had a range of several thousand miles and could detect, track, identify, and catalog …

May 20, 2025 · “DARPA is the most impactful organization in the DOD due to the speed of its unique innovation process, world class program teams, and willingness to embrace risk,” Winchell said.