NATIONAL HARBOR, MD, Sep 23, 2025 – Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has introduced Vectis, a collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) designed to support American and allied air forces. The system builds on the company’s work in fighter design, autonomous systems, and open mission architectures. Vectis is intended to integrate new capabilities at lower cost and faster timelines, reflecting a shift in how future air power will be developed and deployed during military operations.
“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.”
Vectis: Know-How
Integration:
- Integrates with fifth-gen aircraft to advance the Family of Systems vision.
- Lockheed Martin performance on control systems like the MDCX ensure compatibility across the command and control spectrum.
Mission Flexibility:
- Capable of executing precision strike, ISR targeting, electronic warfare, offensive and defensive counter air missions.
- Provides multi-domain connectivity, whether standalone or as part of team with aircrafts like F-35.
- Extended Range: Endurance ranges compatible with Indo-Pacific, European and Central Command theaters.
How We’re Making It:
- Stealth: Leverages experience in stealth advancement to deliver best in CCA class survivability.
- Affordable: Applies advanced manufacturing and digital engineering methods developed in aircraft production to improve speed and reduce cost. Vectis will be sold at a CCA price point.
- Open Systems: Built to avoid vendor lock by aligning to government reference architectures.
Development of Vectis is in progress. Parts have been ordered, and a team is building and testing systems to meet customer requirements and align with tri-service and global standards. Skunk Works brings experience in speed, altitude, shaping, and materials to protect both crewed and uncrewed platforms in challenging environments. Those lessons are applied to Vectis, designed for survivability in an agile aircraft. The plan of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is to design, build, and fly Vectis within two years.
Source: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin Corp., based in Bethesda, MD, is an aerospace, defense, security, and technology company formed in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed Corp. and Martin Marietta. It serves the military and space sectors, including aeronautics, missiles and fire control, rotary and mission systems, and space programs such as the F-35 fighter jet, Patriot and THAAD defense systems, and the Orion spacecraft. As of 2024, the company employs about 121,000 people and operates worldwide. Lockheed Martin reported about $71B in annual revenue for 2024 and develops technologies across defense, aerospace, energy, and secure communications.