DARPA: Difference between revisions

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The '''Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency''' ('''DARPA''') is a [[research and development]] agency of the [[United States Department of Defense]] responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dennis |first=Michael Aaron |date=December 23, 2022 |title=Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency {{!}} United States government |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Defense-Advanced-Research-Projects-Agency |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=Encyclopædia Britannica |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency |title=About DARPA |url=https://www.darpa.mil/about-us/about-darpa |access-date=June 26, 2021 |website=Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency |language=en-US}}</ref> Originally known as the '''Advanced Research Projects Agency''' ('''ARPA'''), the agency was created on February 7, 1958, by President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] in response to the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] launching of [[Sputnik 1]] in 1957. By collaborating with academia, industry, and government partners, DARPA formulates and executes research and development projects to expand the frontiers of technology and science, often beyond immediate [[U.S. military]] requirements.<ref name="Commission2008">Dwight D. Eisenhower and Science & Technology, (2008). Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission, [https://web.archive.org/web/20101027163454/http://eisenhowermemorial.org/onepage/IKE%20%26%20Science.Oct08.EN.FINAL%20%28v2%29.pdf Source].</ref> The name of the organization first changed from its founding name, ARPA, to DARPA, in March 1972, changing back to ARPA in February 1993, then reverted to DARPA in March 1996.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://mil-embedded.com/guest-blogs/arpa-darpa-and-jason/|title=ARPA, DARPA, and Jason |publisher=Military Embedded Systems |language=en |access-date=2018-04-17}}</ref>

''[[The Economist]]'' has called DARPA "the agency that shaped the modern world", with technologies like "[[Moderna COVID-19 vaccine|Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine]] ... [[weather satellite]]s, [[Global Positioning System|GPS]], [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|drones]], [[stealth technology]], [[Voice user interface|voice interfaces]], the [[personal computer]] and the [[internet]] on the list of innovations for which DARPA can claim at least partial credit".<ref name="Economist">{{cite news |title=A growing number of governments hope to clone America's DARPA |newspaper=The Economist |date=5 June 2021 |volume=439 |issue=9248 |pages=67–68 |url=https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2021/06/03/a-growing-number-of-governments-hope-to-clone-americas-darpa |access-date=20 June 2021}}</ref> Its track record of success has inspired governments around the world to launch similar research and development agencies.<ref name="Economist" />

DARPA is independent of other military research and development and reports directly to senior Department of Defense management. DARPA comprises approximately 220 government employees in six technical offices, including nearly 100 program managers, who together oversee about 250 research and development programs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.darpa.mil/about-us/about-darpa|title=About DARPA |publisher=Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency |language=en-US|access-date=2018-02-11}}</ref>

Stephen Winchell is the current director.<ref>{{cite web|title=About DARPA: Leadership|date=2025-02-22|access-date=2025-02-22|website=DARPA|language=en-US|url=https://www.darpa.mil/about#leadership}}</ref>

[[File:DARPA through 50 years.ogv|thumb|DARPA achievements for the past 50 years]]

[[File:DARPA headquarters.jpg|thumb|DARPA's former headquarters in the [[Virginia Square, Virginia|Virginia Square]] neighborhood of [[Arlington County, Virginia]]. The agency is currently located in a new building at 675 North Randolph St.]]The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) was suggested by the [[President's Scientific Advisory Committee]] to President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] in a meeting called after the launch of Sputnik.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bethe |first1=Hans |title=Interview with Hans Bethe |url=https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/sites/default/files/research/oral-histories/oral-history-transcripts/bethe-hans.pdf |website=Eisenhower Library |access-date=18 February 2024}}</ref>  ARPA was formally authorized by President Eisenhower in 1958 for the purpose of forming and executing research and development projects to expand the frontiers of technology and science, and able to reach far beyond immediate military requirements.<ref name="Commission2008"/> The two relevant acts are the Supplemental Military Construction Authorization ([[United States Department of the Air Force|Air Force]])<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N-IPAAAAIAAJ |title = Fiscal Year 1958 Supplemental Military Construction Authorization (Air Force): Hearings, Eighty-fifth Congress, Second Session, on H.R. 9739 |date=1958|last1 = Subcommittee On Military Construction |first1 = United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Armed Services }}</ref> (Public Law 85-325) and Department of Defense Directive 5105.15, in February 1958. It was placed within the Office of the Secretary of Defense ([[Office of the Secretary of Defense|OSD]]) and counted approximately 150 people.<ref>{{cite mailing list| url=https://mailarchive.ietf.org/arch/msg/irtf-discuss/I7gRirVOb4QX2sgBUDvcDfCJHUY/| author=Steve Crocker| date=15 March 2022| title=[Internet Policy] Why the World Must Resist Calls to Undermine the Internet| mailing-list=IETF-Discussion| quote=I was at (D)ARPA from mid 1971 to mid 1974}}</ref>  Its creation was directly attributed to the launching of [[Sputnik]] and to U.S. realization that the [[Soviet Union]] had developed the capacity to rapidly exploit military technology. Initial funding of ARPA was $520 million.<ref name = Wizards20 >"$ 520 million appropriation and a $ 2 billion budget plan." Lyon, Matthew; Hafner, Katie (1999-08-19). ''Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins Of The Internet'' (p. 20). Simon & Schuster. Kindle Edition.</ref> ARPA's first director, Roy Johnson, left a $160,000 management job at [[General Electric]] for an $18,000 job at ARPA.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1958-07-15 |title=ROY JOHNSON CHOSEN UNITED STATES OUTER SPACE AGENCY HEAD. |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/270920463 |access-date=2025-04-05 |work=[[The Queanbeyan Age]]}}</ref><ref name = Wizards21 >"Roy Johnson, ARPA's first director, was, like his boss, a businessman. At age fifty-two, he had been personally recruited by McElroy, who convinced him to leave a $160,000 job with General Electric and take an $18,000 job in Washington." Lyon, Matthew; Hafner, Katie (1999-08-19). ''Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins Of The Internet'' (p. 21). Simon & Schuster. Kindle Edition.</ref> [[Herbert York]] from [[Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory]] was hired as his scientific assistant.<ref name = Wizards21a >"Herbert York, whom Killian had been keen on, was given the job and moved to ARPA from the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory." Lyon, Matthew; Hafner, Katie (1999-08-19). ''Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins Of The Internet'' (p. 21). Simon & Schuster. Kindle Edition.</ref>

Johnson and York were both keen on space projects, but when [[NASA]] was established later in 1958 all space projects and most of ARPA's funding were transferred to it. Johnson resigned and ARPA was repurposed to do "high-risk", "high-gain", "far out" basic research, a posture that was enthusiastically embraced by the nation's scientists and research universities.<ref name = Wizards21,22 >"The staff of ARPA saw an opportunity to redefine the agency as a group that would take on the really advanced "far-out" research....The scientific community, predictably, rallied to the call for a reinvention of ARPA as a "high-risk high-gain" research sponsor— the kind of R& D shop they had dreamed of all along" Lyon, Matthew; Hafner, Katie (1999-08-19). ''Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins Of The Internet'' (pp. 21,22). Simon & Schuster. Kindle Edition.</ref> ARPA's second director was Brigadier General Austin W. Betts, who resigned in early 1961 and was succeeded by [[Jack Ruina]] who served until 1963.<ref name = Wizards23,24 >"In early 1961 ARPA's second director, Brigadier General Austin W. Betts, resigned" Lyon, Matthew; Hafner, Katie (1999-08-19). ''Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins Of The Internet'' (pp. 23,24) Simon & Schuster. Kindle Edition.</ref> Ruina, the first scientist to administer ARPA, managed to raise its budget to $250 million.<ref name = Wizards23 >"Ruina raised ARPA's annual budget to $ 250 million." Lyon, Matthew; Hafner, Katie (1999-08-19). ''Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins Of The Internet'' (p. 23). Simon & Schuster. Kindle Edition.</ref> It was Ruina who hired [[J. C. R. Licklider]] as the first administrator of the [[Information Processing Techniques Office]], which played a vital role in creation of [[ARPANET]], the basis for the future Internet.<ref name = Wizards27-39  >"J. C. R. Licklider." Lyon, Matthew; Hafner, Katie (1999-08-19). ''Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins Of The Internet'' (pp. 27–39). Simon & Schuster. Kindle Edition.</ref>

Additionally, the political and defense communities recognized the need for a high-level Department of Defense organization to formulate and execute R&D projects that would expand the frontiers of technology beyond the immediate and specific requirements of the Military Services and their laboratories. In pursuit of this mission, DARPA has developed and transferred technology programs encompassing a wide range of scientific disciplines that address the full spectrum of national security needs.

From 1958 to 1965, ARPA's emphasis centered on major national issues, including space, [[ballistic missile defense]], and [[nuclear test]] detection.<ref name = Wizards23a >projects in ballistic missile defense and nuclear test detection, couched in terms of basic research, were the top priorities." Lyon, Matthew; Hafner, Katie (1999-08-19). ''Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins of the Internet'' (p. 23). Simon & Schuster. Kindle edition.</ref>  During 1960, all of its civilian space programs were transferred to the [[NASA|National Aeronautics and Space Administration]] ([[NASA]]) and the military space programs to the individual services.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency {{!}} United States government|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Defense-Advanced-Research-Projects-Agency|access-date=2021-05-19|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref>

This allowed ARPA to concentrate its efforts on the Project Defender (defense against ballistic missiles), [[Project Vela]] (nuclear test detection), and [[Project AGILE]] ([[counterinsurgency]] R&D) programs, and to begin work on computer processing, [[behavioral sciences]], and materials sciences. The DEFENDER and AGILE programs formed the foundation of DARPA sensor, [[surveillance]], and directed energy R&D, particularly in the study of [[radar]], [[infrared]] sensing, and [[x-ray]]/[[gamma ray]] detection.

ARPA at this point (1959) played an early role in [[Transit (satellite)|Transit]] (also called NavSat) a predecessor to the [[Global Positioning System]] (GPS).<ref>{{cite book | title=Transit to Tomorrow. Fifty Years of Space Research at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory | author1=Helen E. Worth | author2=Mame Warren | year=2009 | url=http://space50.jhuapl.edu/pdfs/book.pdf | access-date=2013-03-03 | archive-date=2020-12-26 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201226045330/http://space50.jhuapl.edu/pdfs/book.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref>  "Fast-forward to 1959 when a joint effort between DARPA and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory began to fine-tune the early explorers' discoveries. TRANSIT, sponsored by the Navy and developed under the leadership of Richard Kirschner at Johns Hopkins, was the first satellite positioning system."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.darpa.mil/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2565 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629003311/http://www.darpa.mil/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2565 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-06-29 |title=The Story of GPS |author=Catherine Alexandrow |date=Apr 2008 }}</ref><ref name=gap>{{cite book|url=http://www.darpa.mil/about/history/first_50_years.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506103713/http://www.darpa.mil/About/History/First_50_Years.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-05-06 |title=DARPA: 50 Years of Bridging the Gap |date=Apr 2008 }}</ref>

During the late 1960s, with the transfer of these mature programs to the Services, ARPA redefined its role and concentrated on a diverse set of relatively small, essentially exploratory research programs. The agency was renamed the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 1972, and during the early 1970s, it emphasized direct energy programs, information processing, and tactical technologies.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}}

DARPA supported the evolution of the [[ARPANET]] (the first wide-area packet switching network), Packet Radio Network, Packet Satellite Network and ultimately, the [[Internet]] and research in the [[artificial intelligence]] fields of speech recognition and signal processing, including parts of [[Shakey the robot]].<ref name="ieee">{{cite web |url=http://ghn.ieee.org/wiki/index.php/Oral-History:Bertram_Raphael |title=Oral History: Bertram Raphael |work=IEEE Global History Network |publisher=[[Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers]] |access-date=2012-02-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516195054/http://ghn.ieee.org/wiki/index.php/Oral-History%3ABertram_Raphael |archive-date=2013-05-16 }}</ref> DARPA also supported the early development of both [[hypertext]] and [[hypermedia]]. DARPA funded one of the first two hypertext systems, [[Douglas Engelbart]]'s [[NLS (computer system)|NLS]] computer system, as well as [[The Mother of All Demos]].  DARPA later funded the development of the [[Aspen Movie Map]], which is generally seen as the first hypermedia system and an important precursor of [[virtual reality]].

The [[Mike Mansfield#Mansfield Amendments|Mansfield Amendment]] of 1973 expressly limited appropriations for defense research (through ARPA/DARPA) only to projects with direct military application.

The resulting "[[Human capital flight|brain drain]]" is credited with boosting the development of the fledgling personal computer industry. Some young computer scientists left the universities to startups and private research laboratories such as [[PARC (company)|Xerox PARC]].

Between 1976 and 1981, DARPA's major projects were dominated by air, land, sea, and space technology, tactical armor and anti-armor programs, infrared sensing for space-based surveillance, high-energy laser technology for space-based missile defense, antisubmarine warfare, advanced cruise missiles, advanced aircraft, and defense applications of advanced computing.

Many of the successful programs were transitioned to the Services, such as the foundation technologies in [[automatic target recognition]], space-based sensing, propulsion, and materials that were transferred to the [[Strategic Defense Initiative|Strategic Defense Initiative Organization]] (SDIO), later known as the [[Ballistic Missile Defense Organization]] (BMDO), now titled the [[Missile Defense Agency]] (MDA).

During the 1980s, the attention of the Agency was centered on information processing and aircraft-related programs, including the [[Rockwell X-30|National Aerospace Plane (NASP)]] or Hypersonic Research Program. The Strategic Computing Program enabled DARPA to exploit advanced processing and networking technologies and to rebuild and strengthen relationships with universities after the [[Vietnam War]]. In addition, DARPA began to pursue new concepts for small, lightweight satellites ([[LIGHTSAT (DARPA)|LIGHTSAT]]) and directed new programs regarding defense manufacturing, submarine technology, and armor/anti-armor.

On February 4, 2004, the agency shut down its so called "LifeLog Project". The project's aim would have been, "to gather in a single place just about everything an individual says, sees or does".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2004/02/pentagon-kills-lifelog-project/|title=Pentagon Kills LifeLog Project|first=Wired|last=Staff|magazine=Wired|date=2004-02-04|access-date=2019-03-06}}</ref>

In fall 2011, DARPA hosted the [[100 Year Starship|100-Year Starship]] Symposium with the aim of getting the public to start thinking seriously about interstellar travel.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://cleantechnica.com/2012/01/28/fmoon-colony-newt-darpa-has-100-year-starship/|title=Forget the Moon Colony, Newt: DARPA Aims for 100 Year Starship|first=Tina|last=Casey|website=[[CleanTechnica]]|date=2012-01-28|access-date=2012-08-25}}</ref>

On June 5, 2016, [[NASA]] and DARPA announced that it planned to build new [[List of X-planes|X-planes]] with [[NASA]]'s plan setting to create a whole series of X planes over the next 10 years.<ref name="Building X Planes">{{cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nasa-darpa-reveal-radical-future-160000121.html |title=NASA and DARPA plan to release new X-Planes |last=Grady |first=Mary |date=June 5, 2016 |website=[[Yahoo Tech]] |access-date=June 8, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611120846/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/nasa-darpa-reveal-radical-future-160000121.html |archive-date=June 11, 2016 }}</ref>

Between 2014 and 2016, DARPA shepherded the first [[Intelligent agent|machine-to-machine]] computer security competition, the [[Cyber Grand Challenge]] (CGC),

In June 2018, DARPA leaders demonstrated a number of new technologies that were developed within the framework of the [[DARPA GXV-T|GXV-T]] program. The goal of this program is to create a lightly armored combat vehicle of not very large dimensions, which, due to maneuverability and other tricks, can successfully resist modern [[anti-tank weapon]] systems.<ref>[https://newatlas.com/darpa-gxv-t-demonstration-military-vehicle-technology/55198/ "DARPA demonstrates 6 new technologies behind the agile combat vehicles of tomorrow"] New Atlas, June 26, 2018</ref>

In September 2020, DARPA and the [[United States Department of the Air Force|US Air Force]] announced that the [[Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept]] (HAWC) are ready for free-flight tests within the next year.<ref>{{cite web |author=David Szondy |url=https://newatlas.com/military/darpa-us-air-force-hypersonic-weapon-captive-carry-flight-test/ |title=DARPA/US Air Force hypersonic air-breathing weapon ready for free flight |website=New Atlas |date=8 September 2020 }}</ref>

In recent years, DARPA officials have contracted out core functions to corporations. For example, during fiscal year 2020, Chenega ran physical security on DARPA's premises,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for September 30, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2367105/|access-date=2021-02-06|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> System High Corp. carried out program security,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for March 10, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2107920/|access-date=2021-02-06|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> and Agile Defense ran unclassified IT services.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for June 2, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2205772/|access-date=2021-02-06|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> General Dynamics runs classified IT services.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for October 22, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2391498/|access-date=2021-02-06|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> Strategic Analysis Inc. provided support services regarding engineering, science, mathematics, and front office and administrative work.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for September 17, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2352082/|access-date=2021-02-06|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>

File:01 The Formative Years 1958 - 1975 (DARPA history).ogv|The formative years<br />(1958–1975)

File:02 - The Cold War Era 1975 - 1989 (DARPA history).ogv|The Cold War era<br />(1975–1989)

File:03 - The Post-Soviet Years 1989 - Present 2008 (DARPA history).ogv|The Post-Soviet years<br />(1989–present)

* The [[Defense Sciences Office|Defense Sciences Office (DSO)]]: DSO identifies and pursues high-risk, high-payoff research initiatives across a broad spectrum of science and engineering disciplines and transforms them into important, new game-changing technologies for U.S. national security. Current DSO themes include novel materials and structures, sensing and measurement, computation and processing, enabling operations, collective intelligence, and global change.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Defense Sciences Office (DSO) |url=https://www.darpa.mil/about-us/offices/dso |access-date=May 21, 2023 |website=darpa.mil}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.darpa.mil/DSO/ |title=DARPA/DSO Home Page |date=2 December 1998 |access-date=6 June 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981202153000/http://www.darpa.mil/DSO/ |archive-date=2 December 1998 }}</ref>  

* The [[Information Innovation Office|Information Innovation Office (I2O)]] aims to ensure U.S. technological superiority in all areas where information can provide a decisive military advantage.

* The [[Microsystems Technology Office|Microsystems Technology Office (MTO)]] core mission is the development of high-performance, intelligent microsystems and next-generation components to ensure U.S. dominance in Command, Control, Communications, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), Electronic Warfare (EW), and Directed Energy (DE). The effectiveness, survivability, and lethality of systems that relate to these applications depend critically on microsystems and components.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) |url=https://www.darpa.mil/about-us/offices/mto |access-date=May 6, 2023 |website=DARPA.mil}}</ref>

* The [[Strategic Technology Office (DARPA)|Strategic Technology Office (STO)]] mission is to focus on technologies that have a global theater-wide impact and that involve multiple Services.<ref name="darpa.mil">{{cite web |url=http://www.darpa.mil/offices.html |title=DARPA &#124; Offices |access-date=2009-11-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015051855/http://www.darpa.mil/offices.html |archive-date=2009-10-15 }} DARPA Offices. Retrieved 2009-11-08.</ref>

* The [[Tactical Technology Office (DARPA)|Tactical Technology Office (TTO)]] engages in high-risk, high-payoff advanced military research, emphasizing the "system" and "subsystem" approach to the development of aeronautic, space, and land systems as well as embedded processors and control systems

* The [[Biological Technologies Office (DARPA)|Biological Technologies Office (BTO)]] fosters, demonstrates, and transitions breakthrough fundamental research, discoveries, and applications that integrate biology, engineering, and computer science for national security. Created in April 2014 by then Director [[Arati Prabhakar]], taking programs from the MTO and DSO offices.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2014-04-01|title=DARPA Launches Biological Technologies Office |date=1 April 2014 |website=Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency}}</ref>

* The [[Adaptive Execution Office|Adaptive Execution Office (AEO)]] was created in 2009 by the DARPA Director, [[Regina Dugan]]. The office's four project areas included technology transition, assessment, rapid [[productivity]] and [[adaptive system]]s. AEO provided the agency with robust connections to the warfighter community and assisted the agency with the planning and execution of technology demonstrations and field trials to promote adoption by the warfighter, accelerating the transition of new technologies into DoD capabilities.

* The [[Advanced Technology Office (DARPA)|Advanced Technology Office (ATO)]] researched, demonstrated, and developed high payoff projects in maritime, communications, special operations, command and control, and information assurance and survivability mission areas.<ref>[https://www.militaryaerospace.com/communications/article/16709225/darpa-looks-to-ultrawideband-technology-for-advanced-tactical-networking/ DARPA looks to ultra-wideband technology for advanced tactical networking]  

* The [[Special Projects Office (DARPA)|Special Projects Office (SPO)]] researched, developed, demonstrated, and transitioned technologies focused on addressing present and emerging national challenges. SPO investments ranged from the development of enabling technologies to the demonstration of large prototype systems. SPO developed technologies to counter the emerging threat of underground facilities used for purposes ranging from command-and-control, to weapons storage and staging, to the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction. SPO developed significantly more cost-effective ways to counter proliferated, inexpensive cruise missiles, UAVs, and other platforms used for weapon delivery, jamming, and surveillance. SPO invested in novel space technologies across the spectrum of space control applications including rapid access, space situational awareness, counterspace, and persistent tactical grade sensing approaches including extremely large space apertures and structures.

* The Office of Special Development (OSD) in the 1960s developed a real-time [[remote sensing]], monitoring, and predictive activity system on trails used by insurgents in Laos, Cambodia, and the Republic of Vietnam.  This was done from an office in Bangkok, Thailand, that was ostensibly established to catalog and support the Thai fishing fleet, of which two volumes were published.  This is a personal recollection without a published citation.  A report on the ARPA group under which OSD operated is found here.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Joanne |first1=Sandstrom |title=The United States and Thailand |url=https://digitalassets.lib.berkeley.edu/ieas/IEAS_12_0002.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722140418/https://digitalassets.lib.berkeley.edu/ieas/IEAS_12_0002.pdf |archive-date=2021-07-22 |url-status=live |website=digitalassets.lib.berkeley.edu/ |publisher=Berkeley.edu |access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref>  

* The [[Electronic Systems Technology Office]] combined areas of the Defense Sciences Office and the Defense Manufacturing Office. This new office will focus on the boundary between general-purpose computers and the physical world, such as sensors, displays and the first few layers of specialized signal-processing that couple these modules to standard computer interfaces.

* The [[Software and Intelligent Systems Technology Office]] and the [[Computing Systems office]] will have responsibility associated with the Presidential High-Performance Computing Initiative. The Software office will also be responsible for "software systems technology, [[machine intelligence]] and software engineering."

* The [[Land Systems Office]] was created to develop advanced land vehicle and anti-armor systems, once the domain of the Tactical Technology Office.

* The [[Undersea Warfare Office]] combined areas of the Advanced Vehicle Systems and Tactical Technology offices to develop and demonstrate submarine stealth and counter-stealth and automation.

** TCTO's mission was to develop new crosscutting capabilities from a broad range of emerging technological and social trends, particularly in areas related to computing and computing-reliant subareas of the life sciences, social sciences, manufacturing, and commerce.<ref name="darpa.mil"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hpcwire.com/2010/09/22/embedded_clouds_a_look_back_at_hpec_2010/ |title=Embedded Clouds: A Look Back at HPEC 2010 |work=HPCwire |access-date=7 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707185535/http://www.hpcwire.com/2010/09/22/embedded_clouds_a_look_back_at_hpec_2010/ |archive-date=7 July 2015 |date=2010-09-22 }}</ref>

** IPTO focused on inventing the sensing, networking, computing, and software technologies vital to ensuring DOD military superiority.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://schedule.sxsw.com/2014/events/event_IAP28839 |title=Schedule – sxsw.com |work=SXSW Schedule 2014 |access-date=7 July 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909201234/http://schedule.sxsw.com/2014/events/event_IAP28839 |archive-date=9 September 2015 }}</ref>

|Robert S. Cooper

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|January 20, 2020

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A list of DARPA's active and archived projects is available on the agency's website. Because of the agency's fast pace, programs constantly start and stop based on the needs of the U.S. government. Structured information about some of the DARPA's contracts and projects is publicly available.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Klabukov |first1=Ilya |last2=Alekhin |first2=Maksim |last3=Yakovets |first3=Andrey |date=2017 |title=DARPA SETA Support FY2010 / FY2015 Database |url=https://figshare.com/articles/SETA_Support_DARPA_FY2010_FY2015_Data_Base/4759186/2 |journal=Figshare |language=en-US |doi=10.6084/m9.figshare.4759186.v2}}</ref>

* AdvaNced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY X-Plane (ANCILLARY) (2022): The program is to develop and demonstrate a vertical takeoff and landing ([[VTOL]]) plane that can launch without the supporting infrastructure, with low-weight, high-payload, and long-endurance capabilities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DARPA Seeks Leap-Ahead Capabilities for Vertical Takeoff and Landing X-Plane |url=https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2022-09-07 |access-date=June 25, 2023 |website=darpa.mil}}</ref> In June 2023, DARPA selected nine companies to produce initial operational system and demonstration system conceptual designs for an uncrewed aerial system (UAS).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=John |date=2023-06-23 |title=DARPA selects teams to propose VTOL UAS designs with no infrastructure |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/darpa-selects-teams-to-propose-vtol-uas-designs-that-need-no-infrastructure/ |access-date=2023-06-25 |website=Airforce Technology |language=en-US}}</ref>

* AI Cyber Challenge (AIxCC) (2023): It is a two-year competition to identify and fix software vulnerabilities using AI in partnership with Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI which will provide their expertise and their platforms for this competition.<ref>{{cite web |last1=AIxCC |title=The AIxCC Experience is coming to: DEFCON 33 |url=https://aicyberchallenge.com/ |website=aicyberchallenge.com |publisher=DARPA |access-date=23 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 9, 2023 |title=White House Press Release: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Launches Artificial Intelligence Cyber Challenge to Protect America's Critical Software |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/08/09/biden-harris-administration-launches-artificial-intelligence-cyber-challenge-to-protect-americas-critical-software/ |access-date=August 10, 2023 |website=The White House}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-09 |title=DARPA competition will use AI to find, fix software vulnerabilities |url=https://federalnewsnetwork.com/artificial-intelligence/2023/08/darpa-competition-will-use-ai-to-find-fix-software-vulnerabilities/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Federal News Network |language=en-US}}</ref> There will be a semifinal phase and the final phase. The finale will be held at [[DEF CON]] in Las Vegas in 2024 and 2025, respectively.<ref>{{Cite press release |last=OpenSSF |title=OpenSSF to Support DARPA on New AI Cyber Challenge (AIxCC) |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/openssf-to-support-darpa-on-new-ai-cyber-challenge-aixcc-301896959.html |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref>

* Air Combat Evolution (ACE) (2019): The goal of ACE is to automate air-to-air combat, enabling reaction times at machine speeds.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Warwick |first=Graham |date=March 10, 2020 |title=DARPA's ACE Wants To Automate Dogfighting To Empower AI |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/darpas-ace-wants-automate-dogfighting-empower-ai |access-date=April 20, 2024 |website=Aviation Week}}</ref> By using human-machine collaborative dogfighting as its challenge problem, ACE seeks to increase trust in combat autonomy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=John |date=February 23, 2022 |title=DARPA to outfit F-16D jet fighter with artificial intelligence (AI) to boost trust in AI as a human partner |url=https://www.militaryaerospace.com/computers/article/14234351/artificial-intelligence-ai-dogfighting-trust |access-date=April 20, 2024 |website=militaryaerospace.com}}</ref> Eight teams from academia and industry were selected in October 2019.<ref name=":0" /> In April 2024, DARPA and U.S. Air Force announced that ACE conducted the first-ever in-air dogfighting tests of AI algorithms autonomously flying an F-16 against a human-piloted F-16.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Henderson |first=Cameron |date=April 18, 2024 |title=History made as US military conducts first ever human vs AI dogfight |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2024/04/18/us-military-conducts-first-ever-human-vs-ai-dogfight/ |access-date=April 20, 2024 |website=The Telegraph}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Revell |first=Eric |date=April 19, 2024 |title=Air Force confirms first successful AI dogfight |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/us-air-force-confirms-first-successful-ai-dogfight |access-date=April 20, 2024 |website=Fox Business}}</ref>

* Air Space Total Awareness for Rapid Tactical Execution (ASTARTE) (2020): The program is conducted in partnership with the Army and Air Force on sensors, artificial intelligence algorithms, and virtual testing environments in order to create an understandable common operating picture when troops are spread out across battlefields<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for December 29, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2458827/|access-date=2021-01-28|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 7, 2020 |title=Real-time Airspace Awareness and De-confliction for Future Battles |url=https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2020-04-07 |access-date=May 14, 2023 |website=darpa.mil}}</ref>

*Atmospheric Water Extraction (AWE) program<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for November 18, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2420033/|access-date=2021-01-25|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>

* Biomanufacturing: Survival, Utility, and Reliability beyond Earth (B-SURE) (2021): This program aims to address foundational scientific questions to determine how well industrial bio-manufacturing microorganisms perform in space conditions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=B-SURE Teams Ready to Blast Off! |url=https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2023-03-14a |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=darpa.mil}}</ref>  [[International Space Station]] (ISS) announced in April 2023 that Rhodium-DARPA Biomanufacturing 01 investigation was launched on SpaceX, and ISS crew members are carrying out this project which examines gravity's effect on production of drugs and nutrients from bacteria and yeast.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rhodium Scientific to Test the Concept of Biomanufacturing in Space |url=https://www.issnationallab.org/spxcrs27-rhodium-scientific-darpa/ |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=ISS National Laboratory|date=6 April 2023 }}</ref>

* [[Big mechanism|Big Mechanism]]: Cancer research. (2015)<ref name="s1">{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1126/science.347.6221.465| title = DARPA sets out to automate research| journal = Science| volume = 347| issue = 6221| page = 465| year = 2015| last1 = You | first1 = J.| pmid=25635066| bibcode = 2015Sci...347..465Y}}</ref> The program aims to develop technology to read research abstracts and papers to extract pieces of causal mechanisms, assemble these pieces into more complete causal models, and reason over these models to produce explanations. The domain of the program is cancer biology with an emphasis on signaling pathways. It has a successor program called [[World Modelers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=DARPA 1958-2018 |url=https://www.darpa.mil/attachments/DARAPA60_publication-no-ads.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=darpa.mil |archive-date=December 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229220305/https://www.darpa.mil/attachments/DARAPA60_publication-no-ads.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Big Mechanism |url=https://www.darpa.mil/program/big-mechanism |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=darpa.mil |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513165023/https://www.darpa.mil/program/big-mechanism |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=World Modelers |url=https://www.darpa.mil/program/world-modelers |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=darpa.mil}}</ref>

*Binary structure inference system: extract software properties from binary code to support repository-based reverse engineering for micro-patching that minimizes lifecycle maintenance and costs (2020).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for July 1, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2244841/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>

* [[Blackjack (satellite)|Blackjack]] (2017): a program to develop and test military [[satellite constellation]] technologies with a variety of "military-unique sensors and payloads [attached to] commercial [[satellite bus]]es. ...as an 'architecture demonstration intending to show the high military utility of global [[Low Earth orbit|LEO]] constellations and mesh networks of lower size, weight, and cost spacecraft nodes.'  ... The idea is to demonstrate that 'good enough' payloads in LEO can perform military missions, augment existing programs, and potentially perform 'on par or better than currently deployed exquisite space systems.{{'}}"<ref name="sn20180531`">[https://spacenews.com/darpa-to-begin-new-effort-to-build-military-constellations-in-low-earth-orbit/ DARPA to begin new effort to build military constellations in low Earth orbit], [[SpaceNews]], 31 May 2018, accessed 22 August 2018.</ref> [[Blue Canyon Technologies]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for June 10, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2215443/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> Raytheon,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for June 12, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2218996/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> and SA Photonics Inc.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for June 9, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2213629/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> were working on phases 2 and 3 as of fiscal year 2020. On June 12, 2023, DARPA launched four satellites for a technology demonstration in low Earth orbit on the SpaceX Transporter-8 rideshare.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Erwin |first=Sandra |date=2023-06-14 |title=DARPA downsizes Blackjack space experiment |url=https://spacenews.com/darpa-downsizes-blackjack-space-experiment/ |access-date=2023-07-01 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref>

*broadband, electro-magnetic spectrum receiver system: prototype and demonstration<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for August 26, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2326327/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>

* [[Collaborative Operations in Denied Environment]] (CODE): Modular software architecture for UAVs to pass information to each other in contested environments to identify and engage targets with limited operator direction. (2015)<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/darpa-invites-industry-to-explore-collaborative-uav-408267/ DARPA invites industry to explore collaborative UAV technology] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203215053/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/darpa-invites-industry-to-explore-collaborative-uav-408267/ |date=2015-02-03 }} – Flightglobal.com, 23 January 2015</ref><ref>[http://defensesystems.com/articles/2015/01/22/darpa-drones-pack-of-wolves-autonomy.aspx Pentagon issues call for drones that hunt like a pack of wolves] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203213513/http://defensesystems.com/articles/2015/01/22/darpa-drones-pack-of-wolves-autonomy.aspx |date=2015-02-03 }} – Defensesystems.com, 22 January 2015</ref>

*[[Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effectors (CRANE)]] (2019): The program seeks to demonstrate an experimental aircraft design based on active flow control (AFC), which is defined as on-demand addition of energy into a boundary layer in order to maintain, recover, or improve aerodynamic performance. The aim is for CRANE to generally improve aircraft performance and reliability while reducing cost.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for June 19, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2226670/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 26, 2019 |title=Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effecters (CRANE) Proposers Day (Archived) |url=https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/control-of-revolutionary-aircraft-with-novel-effecters-proposers-day |access-date=May 14, 2023 |website=darpa.mil}}</ref> In May 2023, DARPA designated the experimental uncrewed aircraft the X-65 which will use banks of compressed air nozzles to execute maneuvers without traditional, exterior-moving flight controls.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet the X-65: DARPA's New Plane Has No External Control Surfaces |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/x-65-darpa-new-plane/ |access-date=May 23, 2023 |website=airandspaceforces.com|date=16 May 2023 }}</ref>

* [[DARPA Triage Challenge (DTC)]] (2023): The DTC will use a series of challenge events to spur development of novel physiological features for medical triage. The three-year competition focuses on improving emergency medical response in military and civilian mass casualty incidents.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DARPA Triage Challenge |url=https://triagechallenge.darpa.mil/ |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=darpa.mil}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=DARPA Triage Challenge to Promote Tech Use in Medical Response to Mass Casualty Incidents |url=https://executivegov.com/2022/11/darpa-challenge-to-promote-tech-use-in-medical-response-to-mass-casualties/ |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=executivegov.com|date=18 November 2022 }}</ref>

* [[DARPA XG|DARPA XG (2005)]] : technology for Dynamic Spectrum Access for assured military communications.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sharedspectrum.com/resources/darpa-next-generation-communications-program/|title=DARPA neXt Generation Communications Program - SSC|language=en|access-date=2019-09-19|archive-date=2019-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101223820/http://www.sharedspectrum.com/resources/darpa-next-generation-communications-program/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

*[[Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO)]] (2021): The program is to demonstrate a [[nuclear thermal rocket]] (NTR) in orbit by 2027 in collaboration with NASA (nuclear thermal engine) and U.S. Space Force (launch).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hitchens |first=Theresa |date=2023-07-26 |title=DARPA, NASA tap Lockheed Martin to design, build DRACO nuclear rocket for deep space missions |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2023/07/darpa-nasa-tap-lockheed-martin-to-design-build-draco-nuclear-rocket-for-deep-space-missions/ |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=March 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316085306/https://breakingdefense.com/2023/07/darpa-nasa-tap-lockheed-martin-to-design-build-draco-nuclear-rocket-for-deep-space-missions/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>  

*Detection system consisting of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-based assays paired with reconfigurable point-of-need and massively multi-plexed devices for diagnostics and surveillance<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for October 27, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2396088/|access-date=2021-01-25|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>

* [[Experimental Spaceplane 1]] (formerly XS-1): In 2017, Boeing was selected for Phases 2 and 3 for the fabrication and flight of a reusable unmanned space transport after it completed the initial design in Phase 1 as one of the three teams.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.darpa.mil/program/experimental-space-plane|title=Experimental Spaceplane|website=www.darpa.mil|access-date=2019-02-25}}</ref>  In January 2020, Boeing ended its role in the program.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2020-01-22 |title=Boeing drops out of DARPA Experimental Spaceplane program |url=https://spacenews.com/boeing-drops-out-of-darpa-experimental-spaceplane-program/ |access-date=2023-07-01 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref>

* [[Fast Lightweight Autonomy]]: Software algorithms that enable small UAVs to fly fast in cluttered environments without [[GPS]] or external communications. (2014)<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/darpa-solicits-tender-for-uav-urban-operation-algorithms-407418/ DARPA solicits tender for UAV urban operation algorithms] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203214839/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/darpa-solicits-tender-for-uav-urban-operation-algorithms-407418/ |date=2015-02-03 }} – Flightglobal.com, 23 December 2014</ref>

*Fast Network Interface Cards (FastNICs): develop and integrate new, clean-slate network subsystems in order to speed up applications, such as the distributed training of machine learning classifiers by 100x.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Dr. Jonathan M.|date=|title=Fast Network Interface Cards (FastNICs)|url=https://www.darpa.mil/program/fast-network-interface-cards|access-date=February 5, 2021|website=Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency}}</ref> Perspecta Labs<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for May 5, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2177362/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> and Raytheon BBN<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for June 11, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2217371/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> were working on FastNICs as of fiscal year 2020.

* [[Force Application and Launch from Continental United States]] (FALCON): a research effort to develop a small satellite [[launch vehicle]]. (2008)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.darpa.mil/tto/programs/Falcon.htm|title=Falcon|year=2008|publisher=DARPA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822050303/http://www.darpa.mil/tto/programs/Falcon.htm|archive-date=2008-08-22}}</ref> This vehicle is under development by [[AirLaunch LLC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airlaunchllc.com/News.htm|title=Airlaunchllc News|publisher=Airlaunch|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514093237/http://airlaunchllc.com/News.htm|archive-date=2008-05-14}}</ref>  

*Gamma Ray Inspection Technology (GRIT) program: research and develop high-intensity, tunable, and narrow-bandwidth gamma ray production in compact, transportable form. This technology can be utilized for discovering smuggled nuclear material in cargo via new inspection techniques, and enabling new medical diagnostics and therapies.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wrobel|first=Dr. Mark|date=|title=Gamma Ray Inspection Technology (GRIT)|url=https://www.darpa.mil/program/gamma-ray-inspection-technology|access-date=2021-02-05|website=www.darpa.mil}}</ref> RadiaBeam Technologies LLC was working on a phase 1 of the program, Laser-Compton approach, in fiscal year 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for March 20, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2120442/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>  

*Glide Breaker program: technology for an advanced interceptor capable of engaging maneuvering hypersonic vehicles or missiles in the upper atmosphere. Northrop Grumman<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for January 24, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2065636/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> and Aerojet Rocketdyne<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for February 10, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2080211/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> were working on this program as of fiscal year 2020.

* [[DARPA Gremlins|Gremlins]] (2015): Air-launched and recoverable [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAVs]] with distributed capabilities to provide low-cost flexibility over expensive multirole platforms.<ref>[http://www.defenseone.com/technology/2015/08/military-wants-swarm-bots-retrieve-midair/119795/?oref=d-river The Military Wants Swarm Bots It Can Retrieve in Midair] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901041853/http://www.defenseone.com/technology/2015/08/military-wants-swarm-bots-retrieve-midair/119795/?oref=d-river |date=2015-09-01 }} – Defenseone.com, 28 August 2015</ref> In October 2021, two X-61 Gremlin air vehicles were tested at the Army's Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2021 |title=DARPA's latest 'Gremlins' test shows how the US military's biggest planes could be motherships in future wars |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/darpa-gremlins-test-shows-how-planes-can-be-drone-mothership-2021-12?op=1 |access-date=July 10, 2023 |website=businessinsider.com}}</ref>

*Joint All-Domain Warfighting Software (JAWS): software suite featuring automation and [[predictive analytics]] for battle management and command & control with tactical coordination for capture ("target custody") and kill missions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for December 21, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2454191/|access-date=2021-01-26|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> Systems & Technology Research of Woburn, Massachusetts, is working on this project, with an expected completion date of March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for December 21, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2454191/|access-date=2021-02-11|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> Raytheon is also working on this project, with an expected completion date of April 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for January 15, 2021|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2474326/|access-date=2021-02-11|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>

*Lasers for Universal Microscale Optical Systems (LUMOS): integrate heterogeneous materials to bring high performance lasers and amplifiers to manufacturable photonics platforms.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Keeler|first=Dr. Gordon|date=|title=Lasers for Universal Microscale Optical Systems (LUMOS)|url=https://www.darpa.mil/program/lasers-for-universal-microscale-optical-systems|access-date=February 5, 2021|website=Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency}}</ref> As of fiscal year 2020, the Research Foundation for the State University of New York (SUNY) was working to enable "on-chip optical gain" to integrated photonics platforms, and enable complete photonics functionality "on a single substrate for disruptive optical microsystems."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for September 14, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2347324/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>

* Manta Ray: A 2020 DARPA program to develop a series of autonomous, large-size, [[unmanned underwater vehicle]]s (UUVs) capable of long-duration missions and having large payload capacities.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for February 21, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2091020/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>[https://idstch.com/military/navy/darpa-manta-ray-developing-new-class-of-uuvs-capable-of-carrying-large-payloads-and-long-endurance-missions-to-support-persistent-operations/ DARPA Manta Ray Developing New Class of UUVs Capable of Carrying Large Payloads and Long Endurance Missions to Support Persistent Operations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505002601/https://idstch.com/military/navy/darpa-manta-ray-developing-new-class-of-uuvs-capable-of-carrying-large-payloads-and-long-endurance-missions-to-support-persistent-operations/ |date=2023-05-05 }} idstch.com April 21, 2022</ref> In December 2021, DARPA awarded Phase 2 contracts to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and Martin Defense Group to work on subsystem testing followed by fabrication and in-water demonstrations of full-scale integrated vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Naval News |date=2021-12-20 |title=DARPA Selects Two Teams to Build, Test Innovative Manta Ray UUV |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/12/darpa-selects-two-teams-to-build-test-innovative-manta-ray-uuv/ |access-date=2023-07-01 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref>

*Millimeter-wave GaN Maturation (MGM) program: develop new GaN transistor technology to attain high-speed and large voltage swing at the same time.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hancock|first=Dr. Timothy|date=|title=Millimeter-wave GaN Maturation (MGM)|url=https://www.darpa.mil/program/millimeter-wave-gan-maturation|access-date=February 5, 2021|website=Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency}}</ref> HRL Laboratories LLC, a joint venture between Boeing and General Motors, is working on phase 2 as of fiscal year 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for September 8, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2340084/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>

*Modular Optical Aperture Building Blocks (MOABB) program (2015): design free-space optical components (e.g., telescope, bulk lasers with mechanical beam-steering, detectors, electronics) in a single device. Create a wafer-scale system that is one hundred times smaller and lighter than existing systems and can steer the optical beam far faster than mechanical components. Research and design electronic-photonic unit cells that can be tiled together to form large-scale planar apertures (up to 10 centimeters in diameter) that can run at 100 watts of optical power. The overall goals of such technology are (1) rapid 3D scanning using devices smaller than a cell-phone camera; (2) high-speed laser communications without mechanical steering; (3) and foliage-penetrating perimeter sensing, remote wind sensing, and long-range 3-D mapping.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Keeler|first= Gordon|date=|title=Modular Optical Aperture Building Blocks (MOABB)|url=https://www.darpa.mil/program/modular-optical-aperture-building-blocks|access-date=February 5, 2021|website=Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency}}</ref> As of fiscal year 2020, Analog Photonics LLC of Boston, Massachusetts, was working on phase 3 of the program and is expected to finish by May 2022.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense  Contract">{{Cite web|title=Contracts for September 10, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2343624/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>

*Multi- Azimuth Defense Fast Intercept Round Engagement System (MAD-FIRES) program: develop technologies that combine advantages of a missile (guidance, precision, accuracy) with advantages of a bullet (speed, rapid-fire, large ammunition capacity) to be used on a medium-caliber guided projectile in defending ships.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Raytheon tests motor for DARPA's MAD-FIRES self-defense interceptor|url=https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2019/05/07/Raytheon-tests-motor-for-DARPAs-MAD-FIRES-self-defense-interceptor/8511557240419/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=UPI|language=en}}</ref> Raytheon is currently working on MAD-FIRES phase 3 (enhance seeker performance, and develop a functional demonstration illuminator and engagement manager to engage and defeat a representative surrogate target) and is expected to be finished by November 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for August 31, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2331179/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>  

*Novel, nonsurgical, bi-directional brain-computer interface with high spacio-temporal resolution and low latency for potential human use.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for October 30, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2400904/|access-date=2021-01-25|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>

*Operational Fires ([[OpFires]]): developing a new mobile ground-launched booster that helps hypersonic boost glide weapons penetrate enemy air defenses.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stults|first=Lt. Col. Joshua|date=|title=Operational Fires (OpFires)|url=https://www.darpa.mil/program/operational-fires|access-date=January 31, 2021|website=Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency}}</ref> As of 17 July 2020, Lockheed Martin was working on phase 3 of the program (develop propulsion components for the missile's Stage 2 section) to be completed by January 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for July 17, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2278883/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> The system was successfully tested in July 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Operational Fires Program Successfully Completes First Flight Test |url=https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2022-07-13a |access-date=May 6, 2023 |website=DARPA.mil}}</ref>

* Secure Advanced Framework for Simulation & Modeling (SAFE-SiM) program: build a rapid modeling and simulation environment to enable quick analysis in support of senior-level decision-making. As of fiscal year 2020, Radiance Technologies<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for August 25, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2324805/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> and L3Harris<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for September 11, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2345436/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> were working on portions of the program, with expected completion in August and September 2021, respectively.

*Securing Information for Encrypted Verification and Evaluation (SIEVE) program: use zero knowledge proofs to enable the verification of capabilities for the US military "without revealing the sensitive details associated with those capabilities."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Baron|first=Dr. Joshua|date=|title=Securing Information for Encrypted Verification and Evaluation (SIEVE)|url=https://www.darpa.mil/program/securing-information-for-encrypted-verification-and-evaluation|access-date=February 5, 2021|website=Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency}}</ref> Galois Inc. of Portland, Oregon, and Stealth Software Technologies of Los Angeles, California, are currently working on the SIEVE program, with a projected completion date of May 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for April 17, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2155142/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for April 30, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2171906/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>

* Semantic Forensics (SemaFor) program: develop technologies to automatically detect, attribute, and characterize falsified media (e.g., text, audio, image, video) to defend against automated disinformation. SRI International of Menlo Park, California, and Kitware Inc. of Clifton Park, New York, are working on the SemaFor program, with an expected completion date of July 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for July 23, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2286392/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for July 29, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2293268/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>

*underwater network, heterogeneous: develop concepts and reconfigurable architecture, leveraging advancement in undersea communications and autonomous ocean systems, to demonstrate utility at sea.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense Contract 2">{{Cite web|title=Contracts for March 5, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2103659/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> Raytheon BBN is currently working on this program, with work expected through 4 May 2021, though if the government exercises all options on the contract then work will continue through 4 February 2024.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense Contract 2" />

*Urban Reconnaissance through Supervised Autonomy (URSA) program: develop technology for use in cities to enable autonomous systems that U.S. infantry and ground forces operate to detect and identify enemies before U.S. troops come across them. Program will factor in algorithms, multiple sensors, and scientific knowledge about human behavior to determine subtle differences between hostiles and innocent civilians.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Russell|first=Dr. Bartlett|date=|title=Urban Reconnaissance through Supervised Autonomy (URSA)|url=https://www.darpa.mil/program/urban-reconnaissance-through-supervised-autonomy|access-date=February 5, 2021|website=Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency}}</ref> Soar Technology Inc. of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is currently working on pertinent vehicle autonomy technology, with work expected completed by March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for September 30, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2367105/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>

* Air Dominance Initiative: a 2015 program to develop technologies to be used in [[sixth-generation jet fighter]]s.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/strike/2015/01/28/sixth-generation-fighter-2016-budget/22477329/ New Budget Will Feature 6th Gen Fighter] – Defensenews.com, 28 January 2015</ref> The Air Dominance Initiative study led to the [[United States Department of the Air Force|U.S. Air Force]]'s sixth-generation air superiority initiative, the [[Next Generation Air Dominance]].

* [[BigDog]]/[[Legged Squad Support System]] (2012): legged robots.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bostondynamics.com/dist/BigDog.wmv |title=Archived copy |access-date=2012-05-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315102508/http://www.bostondynamics.com/dist/BigDog.wmv |archive-date=2012-03-15 }}</ref>

* MEMEX (2014–2017): an online search tool to fight human trafficking crimes on the dark web.<ref name="Darpa.mil Memex">{{cite web |url=https://www.darpa.mil/program/memex |title=Memex |access-date=July 8, 2023 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 2016, DARPA Memex program received the 2016 Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons for the development of the anti-trafficking technology tool.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mspoweruser.com/microsoft-principal-researcher-chris-white-receives-2016-presidential-award/ |title=Combating Trafficking in Persons|date=25 October 2016 |access-date= July 8, 2023 }}</ref> The program was named and inspired by the [[memex|Vannevar Bush]]'s hypothetical device described in his 1945 article.<ref name="Darpa.mil Memex" />  

* [[Policy Analysis Market]], evaluating the trading of information futures contracts based on possible political developments in several Middle Eastern countries. An application of [[prediction markets]].<ref name=nyt20030729>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/29/us/threats-responses-plans-criticisms-pentagon-prepares-futures-market-terror.html|title=THREATS AND RESPONSES: PLANS AND CRITICISMS; Pentagon Prepares A Futures Market On Terror Attacks|first=Carl|last=Hulse|date=29 July 2003|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name=ss201307>{{cite web| last=Lundin|first=Leigh |title=Pam, Prism, and Poindexter| url=http://www.sleuthsayers.org/2013/07/pam-prism-and-poindexter.html |work=Spying| publisher=SleuthSayers |access-date=January 4, 2014| date=July 7, 2013 |location=Washington}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sirc.org/articles/policy_analysis.shtml|title=Policy Analysis Market and the Political Yuck.|website=www.sirc.org|access-date=August 23, 2018|archive-date=August 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823174349/http://www.sirc.org/articles/policy_analysis.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>  

DARPA is well known as a high-tech government agency, and as such has many appearances in popular fiction.  Some realistic references to DARPA in fiction are as "ARPA" in ''[[Tom Swift]] and the Visitor from Planet X'' (DARPA consults on a technical threat),<ref>Victor Appleton II, 1961. [http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17985/17985-h/17985-h.htm ''Tom Swift and the Visitor from Planet X''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926215836/http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17985/17985-h/17985-h.htm |date=2007-09-26 }}, originally published by Grosset & Dunlap of New York, now re-published by Project Gutenberg. ARPA is referred to on [http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17985/17985-h/17985-h.htm#chap_8 page 68]  published 1961</ref> in episodes of television program ''[[The West Wing]]'' (the ARPA-DARPA distinction), the television program ''[[Numb3rs]]'',<ref>''Numb3ers'', [http://www.cbs.com/primetime/ncis_los_angeles/recaps/105/recaps.php?season=1 Season 1, Episode 5] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325095828/http://www.cbs.com/primetime/ncis_los_angeles/recaps/105/recaps.php?season=1 |date=2010-03-25 }}, and [http://www.math.cornell.edu/~numb3rs/spulido/Numb3rs_season5/Numb3rs_517.html Season 5, Episode 17] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513021858/http://www.math.cornell.edu/~numb3rs/spulido/Numb3rs_season5/Numb3rs_517.html |date=2010-05-13 }}</ref> and the Netflix film ''[[Spectral]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Tasha|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/9/13902914/spectral-review-netflix-aliens-sci-fi-movie-nic-mathieu|title=Spectral review: Netflix's new movie is Gears of War meets Aliens, on the cheap|website=[[The Verge]]|date=December 9, 2016|access-date=September 14, 2020}}</ref>

*[[Joint European Disruptive Initiative]] (JEDI)