General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and MBDA have announced a commitment to integrate the European missile manufacturer’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 outlining the agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. The companies will work together to enable the MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft and Gambit 6 collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) to carry and use 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 operated by 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 and a next-generation air-launched surface attack weapon designed to provide a low-collateral-damage precision effect with a high loadout for persistence. SPEAR can reach beyond the horizon, allowing the launch aircraft to remain away from hostile air defences while providing an engagement capability across a broad range of threats.
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 optimised for roles including electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD), Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (DEAD) and stand-off precision strike, providing an option for evolving security requirements.
GA-ASI and MBDA company leaders believe that combining these aircraft with the latest weapons will provide a relevant and rapidly fieldable capability for military forces worldwide.
