Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works unveils stealthy Vectis drone for CCA program
September 22, 2025
Lockheed Martin’s secretive Skunk Works has unveiled a new, higher-end, stealth, combat, uncrewed aircraft called Vectis (pictured above). The aircraft is designed for the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which it previously lost to as the Air Force turned to Anduril and General Atomics.
Skunk Works’ new higher-end ‘Vectis’ CCA
Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works released a rendering and press release of its new CCA drone designed to offer “unparalleled air dominance” for the United States and its allies. The drone, called Vectis (Latin for lever or pole), is part of its border design philosophy called the Agile Drone Framework.
The vice president of Skunk Works claimed, “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.”
Lockheed says the aircraft is “highly capable, customizable, and affordable,” while coming with “open mission architectures.” The aircraft’s open systems are “built to avoid vendor lock.”
Survivable. Lethal. Autonomous.
— Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) September 21, 2025
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
Seperately, Washington is currently moving to break the vendor lock on Lockheed Martin’s F-35. Excessive proprietary contracts on the F-35 are seen as slowing down upgrades and driving up the program’s costs.
Lockheed’s Vectis claimed capabilities
For now, most of the future capabilities of the new loyal wingman drone remain unknown.
Lockheed claims the aircraft is able to seamlessly integrate with fifth- and next-generation fighter jets, while also being able to act alone. Its mission includes carrying out precision strikes, ISR targeting, electronic warfare, and offensive and defensive counter-air missions.
One of the biggest limitations on CCAs is range, and while Lockheed didn’t reveal its range, it said Vectis has extended range, allowing it to operate in the Indo-Pacific.
The aircraft remains in development with “parts ordered,” and the first example is expected to fly within two years. Like almost all contractors, Lockheed claims the aircraft will be available at an “ultra-competitive price point.”
Lockheed did not specify the size of the aircraft, but said it would be smaller than an F-16 Fighting Falcon and would fit in the US military’s Group 5 UAV category. Group 5 includes the largest and most capable drones with a maximum take-off weight of 1,320 lbs or above, and can fly 18,000 feet in altitude or higher.
Lockheed Martin moving forward after being eliminated from the CCA program
It is unclear when Skunk Works began work on the new aircraft, although it was previously eliminated from the CCA program in early 2024 along with Boeing and Northrop Grumman. That failed Skunk Works bid was an expensive ‘gold-plated’ high-stealth demonstrator aircraft.
While that demonstrator may have boasted high performance, the Air Force was looking for a more affordable design. The CCA program is pioneering, and work is still being done to flesh out the doctrine’s exact requirements. Points being worked out include the affordable and attritable vs the capable and survivable philosophies.
It is unclear how Vectis compares with that initial demonstrator, although it’s clear it puts more emphasis on survivability compared with other designs now in testing.
The Air Force’s extensive initial work has given the Navy a boost as it now looks for a CCA or loyal wingman drone program to suit its needs while leveraging the Air Force’s work.
