“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.”
Survivable. Lethal. Autonomous.
Lockheed Martin Vectis™ is here. 🦨This cutting-edge uncrewed aircraft integrates with 5th and next-gen platforms and provides unparalleled mission survivability. pic.twitter.com/Y7IgoUqstF
— Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) September 21, 2025
Vectis is intended to integrate seamlessly with fifth-generation and next-generation aircraft, advancing the Family of Systems vision for future air dominance. The platform is compatible with common control systems such as MDCX™, ensuring interoperability across the command and control spectrum.
The aircraft is designed for mission flexibility, including precision strike, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance targeting, electronic warfare and counter air operations. It offers multi-domain connectivity and can operate alone or alongside crewed aircraft such as the F-35.
According to Lockheed Martin, endurance ranges are aligned with Indo-Pacific, European and Central Command theatres. Vectis leverages decades of stealth development to deliver survivability and applies advanced manufacturing and digital engineering to maintain affordability.
Development of Vectis is already under way, with parts ordered and teams working to build and test survivable systems. Skunk Works is funding the project internally while ensuring alignment with tri-service architectures and emerging global defence requirements.
Lockheed Martin said Vectis reflects its long-standing expertise in survivability, shaped by innovations in speed, altitude, materials and platform design. The company aims to deliver high-end capability at aggressive cost targets and intends to design, build and fly the new system within two years.
