23 September 2025
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works introduces Vectis, a Group 5 survivable and lethal collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) to advance unparalleled air dominance for American and allied militaries.
This system embodies the company's pedigree in fighter aircraft, autonomous systems and open mission architectures. As the future of air power takes shape, Skunk Works is charting a critical path with Vectis to unlock new, integrated capabilities at an ultra-competitive speed and price point.
"Vectis is the culmination of our expertise in complex systems integration, advanced fighter development and autonomy," said 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."
What You Need to Know About Vectis
Integration:
- Seamlessly integrates with 5th and next-gen aircraft to advance the Family of Systems vision for next-gen air dominance.
- Proven Lockheed Martin performance on common control systems like the MDCX ensure compatibility across the command and control spectrum.
Mission Flexibility:
- Capable of executing precision strike, ISR targeting, electronic warfare and offensive and defensive counter air missions.
- Provides multi-domain connectivity, whether standalone or as part of integrated teaming missions with crewed aircraft like the F-35.
- Extended Range: Endurance ranges compatible with Indo-Pacific, European and Central Command theaters.
How We're Making It:
- Stealth: Leverages decades of experience in stealth advancement to deliver best in CCA class survivability.
- Affordable: Applies advanced manufacturing and digital engineering techniques learned from next-gen aircraft development to drive affordability and speed. Vectis will be offered at a CCA price point.
- Open Systems: Built to avoid vendor lock by aligning to Government Reference Architectures.
Vectis' development is underway. Parts are ordered and a team is executing. Skunk Works is investing the funds and manpower necessary to build and test survivable systems to meet customers' evolving needs while broadening alignment with new tri-service architectures and global requirements as they are defined.
Skunk Works has decades of experience leveraging speed, altitude, shape, advanced materials and more to keep crewed and uncrewed platforms safe in the most challenging environments to solve the warfighter's hardest problems. All of this pioneering work is reflected in Vectis, which delivers class-leading survivability in an agile, multi-role package.
With Vectis, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is acting on a bold vision to deliver high-end survivability and mission systems capability at aggressive cost targets and design, build and fly within two years.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready.
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