At Farnborough International Airshow, MBDA and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have announced a commitment to integrate the European missile-maker’s SPEAR precision strike weapons onto new aircraft built by the American uncrewed aircraft manufacturer.

Integration of SPEAR

The companies will work together to ensure the MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft and Gambit 6 collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) can carry and use the SPEAR weapons. MBDA UK Managing Director Chris Allam and GA-ASI President David R. Alexander signed a Memorandum of Understanding that outlined the agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. 

Next generation capability 

SPEAR is MBDA’s miniature cruise missile, a next-generation air-launched surface attack weapon that provides a low collateral damage precision effect, with a high load out for persistence. SPEAR reaches beyond the horizon to ensure that the launch aircraft remains safely away from hostile air defences, but with an engagement capability across a broad threat set.

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 optimized for attack roles such as electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD), Destruction of Enemy Air Defences (DEAD) and stand-off precision strike, making it a versatile option for evolving security needs.

Extending a partnership 

The consolidation of MBDA’s relationship with GA-ASI is a testament to the strength of our long history of cooperation, most recently with integration of BRIMSTONE onto the RAF’s MK1 Protector remotely piloted aircraft. 
Remotely piloted aircraft and autonomous/collaborative platforms, such as MQ-9B and Gambit, are revolutionising modern air combat. Integrating the innovative capability of SPEAR multiplies the effect these platforms provide into decisive operational advantage.