Lockheed Martin unveils stealth drone Vectis for combat and surveillance missions

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Lockheed Martin unveils Vectis stealth drone for combat and surveillance missions
Lockheed Martin unveils Vectis stealth drone for combat and surveillance missions (X @LockheedMartin)

Lockheed Martin has unveiled the Vectis, a new stealth combat drone developed by its Skunk Works division.

The model is part of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) concept and is designed to perform attack, surveillance, electronic warfare, and escort missions, always in conjunction with manned fighters like the F-35. According to the company, the design combines stealth, long range, and operational flexibility with a cost-effective approach suitable for large-scale production.

The Vectis draws on decades of Lockheed’s experience in stealth design and advanced fighter development, while also employing open-architecture software. The manufacturer highlights the drone’s survivability in highly contested environments, using shapes and materials already applied in other programs. The aircraft’s range is expected to meet operational requirements in strategic Indo-Pacific and European scenarios.

The project is already underway, with parts ordered and prototypes in preparation. Skunk Works aims to have the Vectis flying within two years, a timeline considered ambitious by defense industry standards.

The unveiling comes amid the U.S. Armed Forces’ efforts to define the requirements for their future drone fleets and signals Lockheed’s intention to compete for one of the most significant military contracts in the coming decades.

Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @LockheedMartin | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

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