MBDA is set to integrate its SPEAR cruise missiles into two General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) drones under an agreement made at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.
The signed memorandum of understanding commits both companies to work on integrating SPEAR miniature cruise missiles into GA-ASI’s MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft and Gambit 6 collaborative combat aircraft (CCA).
However, no timeline has been disclosed.
The agreement comes after GA-ASI successfully completed weapons testing involving MBDA’s Brimstone air-to-surface missile on the Royal Air Force’s Protector, which is based on the MQ-9B.
“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,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.
Precision Strikes
SPEAR, which stands for Selective Precision Effect At Range, is a next-generation surface attack weapon primarily launched by the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II fighter.
Measuring around 2 meters (6.5 feet) long and weighing under 100 kilograms (220 pounds), the missile can engage ground and naval targets — including fast-moving vehicles, ships, air defenses, and protected buildings — beyond-line-of-sight while minimizing collateral damage.
GA-ASI Drones
GA-ASI designed the MQ-9B as an advanced medium-altitude, long-endurance drone for handling persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and airborne early warning missions.
The MQ-9B supports an expanding arsenal of precision strike and long-range standoff weapons, with work underway to integrate systems like the SPEAR missile and Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missiles.
It is already ordered or procured by several countries, including Germany, Poland, and the UK.
Meanwhile, the Gambit 6 CCA is a drone intended to operate alongside crewed aircraft.
Optimized for air-to-ground combat operations, it can take on several roles, including electronic warfare, stand-off precision strike, and the suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses.
According to GA-ASI, the Gambit 6 will be available to international partners by 2027, with European mission-ready versions to follow in 2029.
