Lockheed Martin Vectis™: Unmatched Survivability in the CCA Class

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Sept. 21, 2025 – Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works (NYSE: LMT) has unveiled Vectis, a Group 5 collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) designed to provide unmatched air dominance capabilities to the U.S. and its allies. This announcement signals Lockheed Martin’s continued investment in autonomous technologies and its commitment to shaping the future of aerial warfare.

The Vectis platform, developed by the renowned Skunk Works division, represents a significant advancement in drone technology. Lockheed Martin emphasizes the platform’s high capability, customizable nature, and affordability as key differentiators in a rapidly evolving defense market. This initiative underscores the company’s focus on integrating advanced fighter aircraft expertise, autonomous systems, and open mission architectures. The goal is to deliver integrated capabilities at an aggressive pace and cost, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of air power.

“Vectis embodies our deep understanding of complex systems integration, coupled with our unparalleled experience in advanced fighter development and autonomous systems,” stated OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “We’re not just creating another platform; we’re pioneering a new era of air power built on the foundation of a highly adaptable, customizable, and cost-effective drone framework.”

Key Features and Strategic Implications of Vectis

Seamless Integration: The Vectis is designed for seamless integration with both 5th-generation and next-generation aircraft, facilitating Lockheed Martin’s “Family of Systems” vision for future air dominance. Compatibility with established control systems like MDCX™ ensures interoperability across the command and control spectrum. This interoperability is crucial for maintaining a technological edge in modern warfare.

Mission Flexibility: Vectis offers a versatile platform capable of executing a wide range of missions, including precision strike, ISR targeting, electronic warfare, and both offensive and defensive counter-air operations. Multi-domain connectivity is a core feature, enabling both standalone operation and integrated teaming with manned aircraft like the F-35. Its extended range is tailored to meet the demands of theaters such as the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and Central Command. This adaptability makes Vectis a valuable asset in diverse operational environments.

Advanced Technology and Affordability: Lockheed Martin leverages its decades of experience in stealth technology to ensure class-leading survivability for Vectis. Advanced manufacturing techniques and digital engineering, refined through next-generation aircraft development, are applied to drive down costs and accelerate production. Vectis is strategically positioned to meet competitive CCA price points. This balance of high-end technology and affordability is essential for widespread adoption.

Open Systems Architecture: Vectis is designed with an open systems architecture, ensuring it aligns with Government Reference Architectures and avoids vendor lock-in. This approach fosters innovation and allows for easier integration of future upgrades and technologies. This commitment to open systems is vital for long-term sustainability and adaptability in the face of evolving threats.

The development of Vectis is actively underway, reflecting significant investment in both resources and personnel. Skunk Works is prioritizing the construction and testing of survivable systems to meet evolving customer demands, while simultaneously aligning with new tri-service architectures and emerging global requirements. This proactive approach ensures Vectis remains at the forefront of defense technology.

Decades of experience in areas as speed, altitude, shape, advanced materials, and stealth underpin the design of Vectis, ensuring it can operate safely and effectively in the most challenging environments. This platform delivers class-leading survivability and multi-role capabilities in an agile and adaptable package.

With Vectis, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is committed to providing advanced survivability and mission systems capabilities at competitive costs, with a goal to design, build, and fly within a two-year timeframe. This ambitious vision reflects the company’s confidence in its technological expertise and its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its customers.