The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has entered into a contract with General Atomics to develop its cutting-edge GHOST drone, a sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicle designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations. This innovative drone features a hybrid-electric propulsion system that promises both stealth and extended flight durations.
Though specific details about the GHOST remain under wraps, General Atomics has a notable history of advancement in unmanned aerial systems. Their technology aims to facilitate autonomous missions lasting up to 60 hours without the need for recharging. Recently, the Pentagon announced that the AFRL granted General Atomics a contract valued at $99 million to enhance next-generation drone capabilities for a variety of challenging environments.
The GHOST’s design prioritizes silent operations and exceptional fuel efficiency, utilizing a ducted fan propulsion system that minimizes both acoustic and infrared signatures. This makes it particularly suitable for covert missions, capable of high endurance while remaining undetected. Work on the GHOST will take place in Poway, California, with completion projected for summer 2028.
General Atomics spokesperson C. Mark Brinkley emphasized the company’s longstanding commitment to pioneering unmanned aerial technologies. “For over three decades, we have been at the forefront of UAV development, pushing boundaries that others have yet to surpass,” he remarked.
The demand for sophisticated drone systems in modern warfare continues to increase, as recent conflicts have highlighted their critical role on the battlefield. As the landscape of military operations evolves, the GHOST drone may well play a vital role in shaping future aerial combat strategies.
