Vectis
Lockheed Martin · United States · also known as Lockheed Martin Vectis · Updated
Vectis is a Group 5 collaborative combat aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works of the United States, unveiled on 21 September 2025. It is designed to fly autonomously or alongside crewed fighters such as the F-35, as part of the US Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme family.
Overview
Lockheed Martin presented Vectis as an entrant in the broader Collaborative Combat Aircraft effort, pitched as a "highly capable, customizable and affordable" uncrewed wingman intended to operate standalone or teamed with crewed aircraft through the company's MDCX command-and-control software. The company says the design draws on its stealth aircraft experience and uses digital engineering and an open systems architecture intended to keep production costs down and avoid locking customers into a single supplier's components.
Lockheed Martin said in September 2026 that it had begun work on four additional Vectis prototypes beyond the first, funded internally, as it works toward a first flight targeted for the end of 2027.
Design and capabilities
Vectis is a tailless, subsonic jet aircraft with a lambda-wing planform, about 34 ft (10.36 m) long with a wingspan of about 38 ft (11.58 m), powered by a single jet engine. Its most distinctive design feature is a deeply recessed, top-mounted "submerged" air intake, intended to reduce drag and radar signature. The airframe carries an elongated internal weapons bay reported to hold at least two medium-range air-to-air missiles; Lockheed Martin has shown it carrying AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles and GBU-53/B StormBreaker glide bombs in promotional material, alongside an electro-optical/infrared sensor turret under the nose for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Lockheed Martin has not published the aircraft's weight, speed, range or endurance.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Vectis first fly?
Lockheed Martin is targeting a first flight by the end of 2027.
What weapons can the Vectis carry?
Its internal bay is reported to hold at least two medium-range air-to-air missiles; the company has displayed it with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles and GBU-53/B StormBreaker glide bombs.
How big is the Vectis?
It is roughly 34 ft (10.36 m) long with a 38 ft (11.58 m) wingspan, according to public reporting on the programme.
Who builds the Vectis?
Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division, which unveiled the aircraft on 21 September 2025.
Is the Vectis supersonic?
No. It is described as a subsonic, single-engine aircraft.
