Lockheed Martin has officially introduced the Vectis, an innovative combat drone designed for stealth operations. This high-tech gadget can operate either on its own or team up with piloted fighter jets like the F-35.
The development of Vectis falls under the company’s Advanced Development Programs, commonly known as Skunk Works. According to the announcement made on Sunday, the drone aims to smoothly integrate with 5th generation and upcoming aircraft, pushing forward their Family of Systems strategy for future air superiority.
Why This Matters
Over the years, the U.S. Air Force has significantly downsized, now boasting less than half the number of fighters it had back in 1987. Their fleet is also outdated, with aging aircraft being retired faster than new ones are introduced. You can read more about the figures here.
To tackle this issue, the military is looking towards Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs), often referred to as “loyal wingmen.” These drones present a more economical and expendable solution to bolster the existing air force capabilities. Utilizing artificial intelligence, they plan to enhance the firepower of human pilots and effectively confront enemy air defenses, especially in high-threat environments.
Newsweek reached out to both Lockheed Martin and the Pentagon (now termed the Department of War) for comments after hours.
Key Features
The Vectis has been designed for numerous tasks including electronic warfare, precise strikes, as well as both offensive and defensive missions. Its intelligence-gathering capabilities are aimed at aiding commanders in strategizing effective strikes.
Additionally, Vectis is reported to have an extended operational range, making it suitable for missions across key regions like the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and Central Command areas, including the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.
This announcement comes on the heels of the U.S. Air Force’s update in May, indicating that ground tests had kicked off for two gotta-have drones called YF-44A and YFQ-42A from defense contractors Anduril and General Atomics.
On the flip side, China is also stepping up its game in the drone space with their own CCA program. Reports mention that several of these drones were showcased during the recently held “Victory Day” parade in Beijing, as noted by state-run CCTV.
What Experts Are Saying
OJ Sanchez, who holds the title of VP and GM at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, highlighted in the press release: “Vectis represents the apex of our know-how in handling complex systems, cutting-edge fighter design, and autonomous solutions. Our goal extends beyond just crafting a standard platform—it’s about reimagining air power within a highly adaptable and affordable drone framework.”
General David Allvin, the chief of staff for the U.S. Air Force, remarked back in May: “CCA is all about gaining a strategic edge in highly contested settings. We’re fast-tracking deployment with fresh designs and acquisition techniques, and the companies involved are surpassing essential milestones. These aircraft are crucial for converting our readiness into operational supremacy.”
Looking Ahead
According to Lockheed Martin, the Vectis is on track to be up and running by 2028.
