On September 21, 2025, Lockheed Martin’s legendary Skunk Works® division introduced its latest innovation: Vectis, a Group 5 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) designed to redefine air dominance for the United States and allied militaries. This stealth-enabled, unmanned aerial system (UAS) is engineered to operate alongside fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and F-22, as well as future platforms under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative.
What Is Vectis?
Vectis is a Group 5 unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV), the largest and most capable category of drones recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense. It is designed to be survivable, lethal, and affordable, with multi-role capabilities that span:
- Precision strike
- Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Electronic Warfare (EW)
- Offensive and defensive counter-air operations3
Design Philosophy
OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Skunk Works, described Vectis as “the culmination of our expertise in complex systems integration, advanced fighter development, and autonomy.” The aircraft is not just a new drone, it represents a paradigm shift in air power, built on a customizable and agile drone framework.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Stealth | Incorporates decades of low-observable technology for survivability in contested environments |
| Open Systems Architecture | Aligns with U.S. Government Reference Architectures to avoid vendor lock-in and enable multi-vendor payload integration |
| Multi-Domain Connectivity | Operates independently or in tandem with crewed aircraft, enabling seamless command and control across platforms |
| Advanced Manufacturing | Uses digital engineering and rapid prototyping to reduce costs and accelerate development |
| Extended Range | Optimized for missions in Indo-Pacific, European, and Middle Eastern theaters |
Integration with Crewed Aircraft
Vectis is designed to function as a “loyal wingman”, teaming with crewed platforms like the F-35 and F-22. It can be remotely commanded by these aircraft, acting as a force multiplier in complex missions. Lockheed Martin’s promotional materials show scenarios where the F-22 acts as a “quarterback,” directing Vectis drones to engage threats, conduct ISR, or perform EW tasks.
Development Timeline
Lockheed Martin has already begun development:
- Prototype parts are ordered
- Assembly is underway
- First flight expected within two years (by 2027)
This aggressive timeline reflects Lockheed’s decision to self-fund the project, bypassing traditional acquisition cycles to meet evolving military needs faster.
Strategic Implications
Vectis is Lockheed Martin’s answer to the U.S. Air Force’s CCA program, which envisions deploying thousands of unmanned systems to support manned fighters. By offering a high-endurance, stealth-capable, and cost-effective solution, Vectis positions Lockheed as a formidable contender in the future of air combat.
Legacy and Innovation
Skunk Works has a storied history of pioneering aircraft, from the U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird to the F-117 Nighthawk and F-22 Raptor. Vectis continues this legacy, blending stealth, autonomy, and modularity into a single platform that reflects over 80 years of innovation.