Lockheed Martin Unveils Vectis Stealth Combat Drone Family

Lockheed Martin has revealed its new Vectis stealth combat drone, a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) designed for autonomous missions alongside crewed fighters like the F-35. The company expects the first prototype to take flight by 2027. Promotional footage highlights the drone's stealth capabilities, featuring internal weapons bays that house AIM-120 missiles and GBU-53 Small Diameter Bombs to maintain a low radar signature. Measuring approximately 34 feet in length with a 38-foot wingspan, the Vectis is being developed for the U.S. Air Force's Increment 2 requirement. Lockheed emphasizes that the design focuses on affordability and survivability, aiming to correct the cost-related shortcomings of their previous Increment 1 proposal. While specific performance metrics remain undisclosed, the project represents a significant push toward integrating autonomous, stealth-capable assets into modern airpower, balancing advanced combat requirements with the need for cost-effective manufacturing.