Lockheed Martin Skunk Works announced the introduction of Vectis, a Group 5 survivable and lethal collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) designed to strengthen air dominance for the United States and allied forces.
Building on its deep legacy in fighter aircraft, autonomous systems, and open mission architectures, Skunk Works is shaping the future of airpower with Vectis. The platform combines survivability, mission flexibility, and affordability to deliver a new generation of integrated combat capability at record speed and value.
OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, said:
“Vectis is the culmination of our expertise in complex systems integration, advanced fighter development and autonomy. 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.”
Key Features of Vectis
Seamless Integration
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Designed to operate alongside 5th-generation and future aircraft, supporting the Family of Systems vision for next-generation air dominance.
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Compatible with Lockheed Martin’s proven MDCX™ common control systems, ensuring interoperability across command and control networks.
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Mission Flexibility
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Equipped for precision strike, ISR targeting, electronic warfare, and offensive and defensive counter-air operations.
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Provides robust multi-domain connectivity, functioning independently or in collaboration with manned platforms such as the F-35.
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Endurance and range tailored to meet mission demands across the Indo-Pacific, European, and Central Command theaters.
Advanced Design and Affordability
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Incorporates decades of Lockheed Martin innovation in stealth technology to deliver unmatched survivability in the CCA class.
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Uses digital engineering and advanced manufacturing techniques pioneered in next-generation aircraft programs to lower costs and accelerate production.
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Built on open system architectures, avoiding vendor lock-in and aligning with U.S. Government Reference Architectures.
Vectis is already in development, with parts ordered and teams actively building and testing survivable systems. Skunk Works is investing its own resources to ensure Vectis meets the evolving operational needs of U.S. and allied forces while aligning with tri-service architectures and global defense requirements.
With a proven history of leveraging speed, altitude, advanced materials, and unique design innovations, Skunk Works has consistently delivered solutions to the most complex challenges in modern warfare. Vectis embodies this legacy, offering class-leading survivability in a versatile, multi-role platform built to redefine the future of air combat.