Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division has introduced Vectis, a new stealth combat drone designed to operate as a collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) alongside manned fighter jets such as the F-35. The unmanned system is positioned as part of the broader shift toward human-machine teaming in future air combat.
According to Lockheed Martin, Vectis is a Group 5 class drone, meaning it falls into the largest category of unmanned aircraft with capabilities for long-range and complex missions. The company states that the system has been built with an open architecture, allowing integration of different mission systems and future upgrades without vendor lock-in.
Roles and Capabilities
Vectis is intended for multiple operational roles, including precision strike, intelligence gathering, electronic warfare, and offensive and defensive counter-air missions. Skunk Works emphasizes that the drone has been developed with survivability in mind, using decades of stealth technology to reduce its visibility to enemy radar.
The design is not aimed at supersonic performance. Instead, Lockheed indicates the focus is on range and endurance, with missions envisioned for theaters such as the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. The company has not disclosed details on propulsion, payload, or endurance, but has stated the drone is targeting the price range associated with collaborative combat aircraft programs.
Timeline and Strategy
Lockheed Martin aims for the first flight of Vectis within two years, suggesting a target around 2027. While the drone is not tied to any single procurement competition, the company says it could be a strong candidate for U.S. Air Force CCA programs, where other manufacturers such as General Atomics and Anduril are also competing.
Industry analysts note that Lockheed’s move signals a broader strategic shift: the company best known for advanced stealth fighters is now expanding its portfolio into unmanned systems that could be deployed at scale. This positions Lockheed as a direct competitor in what has been described as the emerging “drone wars” among major defense contractors.
Image: Lockheed Martin
