Lockheed Martin presented the fighting drone of the future. What can the new invisible weapon do on the radar
The American giant of the Defense Industry Lockheed Martin revealed the plans for “Vectis”, an invisible radar fighter drone, designed to operate either independently or in tandem with pilot aircraft such as F-35.
The “Vectis” drone is designed to carry out a wide range of missions/photo: X
The drone is designed to carry out a wide range of missions:
The project is developed within the Advanced Development Programs Division – known as Skunk Works – and is presented as part of the “System Family” for the Aerial Domination of the Future. “Vectis will integrate perfectly with the fifth and future generation aircraft, to bring the air superiority to a new level,” the company said.
Why matters
The US Air Forces have reached the smallest effective in history: in 2024 they have less than half of the number of fighter jets compared to 1987. The fleet is facing a double pressure – old aircraft retreated quickly, while replacements come too slowly.
In this context, the drones of the collaborative type Combat Aircraft (CCA) become the damage solution. It costs less than piloted airplanes, can be sacrificed in battle and, thanks to the software based on artificial intelligence, can supplement the firepower of pilots to overwhelm the air defenses.
What do we know about vectis
The drone is designed to carry out a wide range of missions: electronic war, precision strokes, offensive missions and defensive air-air, but also information collection operations to support the tactical decisions of the commanders.
Another advantage is the ray of extended action, which makes the vectis a viable option for the theaters of operations in Indo-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. The launch comes shortly after the Air Force announced the testing of two other prototypes of CCA-YF-44A and YFQ-42A-developed by American companies Anduril and General Atomics.
China, the US-Pacific Strategic Strategic Rival, also carries out a similar program, recently presenting several drones of this type within the “Victory Day” parade in Beijing.
OJ Sanchez, vice -president of Skunk Works, stressed in the official statement: “Vectis is the result of our expertise in integrating complex systems, developing fighter and autonomy. We do not build a new platform – we create a new model of air power, based on a frame of agile drone, capable, personalizable and accessible.”
General David Allvin, the head of the General Staff of the US Air Force, explained since May that the CCA program is meant to offer “a decisive advantage in extremely contested environments”, by accelerating the development and implementation by innovative acquisition methods. “These aircraft will allow us to transform the preparation into operational domination,” he said.
