DARPA’s history of fundamental breakthroughs has altered defense and the world as we know it. Our nation’s global technological leadership is a result of the enormous contribution Defense innovation has made.
DARPA was created in 1958 as the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). The political and defense communities recognized the need for a high-level 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 2008, DARPA celebrated its 50th anniversary. Explore videos and read articles highlighting 50 years of DARPA's achievements .
A Proud History
The Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik showed that a fundamental change was needed in America’s defense science and technology programs. DARPA was formed to meet this need and rejuvenated our defense technological capabilities. 50 Years of Innovation and Discovery (pdf)
Internet
DARPA’s (or ARPA’s) involvement in the creation of the Internet began with an idea to link time-sharing computers into a national system.
DARPA and the Internet Revolution (pdf)
More about the ARPANET
DARPA Network Challenge
Stealth Fighter
Early efforts by DARPA led to the development of the Air Force F-117 tactical fighter (Stealth Fighter). In Operation Desert Storm, it penetrated air defenses and delivered 2,000 tons of ordnance to account for nearly 40% of all targets with an 80%-85% hit rate, without losing any fighters. More about the Stealth Fighter
M16 Assault Rifle
Through project AGILE and a report to the U.S. military, DARPA was instrumental in adopting the M16 assault rifle as the military's individual weapon of choice, protecting U.S. troops across the globe. More about the M16