See It in Action: ‘First-Ever Guided’ Bullet That Can Change Direction Mid-Flight Could ‘Revolutionize Rifle Accuracy’

A new bullet being developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency can change direction mid-flight to track down its target.

DARPA has developed a new bullet that can change direction mid-flight to track down its target. (Image source: DARPA)

The agency released a video late last week showing the "first-ever guided .50-caliber bullets" being tested in the field.

"DARPA’s Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) program recently conducted the first successful live-fire tests demonstrating in-flight guidance of .50-caliber bullets," a press release on DARPA's website said. "This video shows EXACTO rounds maneuvering in flight to hit targets that are offset from where the sniper rifle is aimed."

"EXACTO’s specially designed ammunition and real-time optical guidance system help track and direct projectiles to their targets by compensating for weather, wind, target movement and other factors that could impede successful hits," it added.

The EXACTO program aims to "revolutionize rifle accuracy" by assisting military snipers who are "acquiring moving targets in unfavorable conditions, such as high winds and dusty terrain commonly found in Afghanistan," according to its website.

DARPA is the research arm of the Department of Defense.

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