A next-gen collaborative combat aircraft built for survivability, mission flexibility, and affordability — ready to fly within two years.
Lockheed Martin’s legendary Skunk Works is once again rewriting the rules of air dominance with the reveal of Vectis, a Group 5 collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) built to push survivability, lethality, and affordability into uncharted territory.
Drawing from decades of fighter aircraft expertise and breakthroughs in autonomous systems, Vectis is positioned as more than a drone—it’s a paradigm shift in air power. Designed to seamlessly integrate with fifth- and next-gen platforms, the system supports the Pentagon’s “Family of Systems” vision while ensuring compatibility through Lockheed Martin’s proven MDCX control systems.
“Vectis is the culmination of our expertise in complex systems integration, advanced fighter development, and autonomy,” says OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “We’re not simply building a new platform — we’re creating a new paradigm for air power based on a highly capable, customizable, and affordable agile drone framework.”
Flexibility is the core of Vectis. Missions range from ISR and precision strike to electronic warfare and offensive/defensive counter-air. It can operate solo or as a force multiplier, teaming with crewed aircraft like the F-35 to extend reach across Indo-Pacific, European, and Central Command theaters.
On the engineering side, Skunk Works is leveraging stealth advancements, digital engineering, and advanced manufacturing to deliver a survivable CCA at a price point designed to scale. By aligning with open mission architectures, Vectis avoids vendor lock while staying ready for evolving tri-service and allied requirements.
Development is already underway, with parts ordered and teams in motion. Skunk Works says it’s prepared to design, build, and fly Vectis within two years — a bold play that reinforces its reputation for turning science fiction into military-grade reality.
Vectis isn’t just another aircraft. It’s a blueprint for the future battlefield.
