Lockheed Martin’s defense manufacturing firm Skunk Works is developing a stealthy autonomous drone for precision strikes.

The drone, dubbed Vectis, when completed, is expected to be a large “Category 5” reusable drone that is capable of executing precision strikes, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) targeting, electronic warfare and offensive and defensive counter air missions.

Artist rendering of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Vectis, a Group 5 survivable and lethal collaborative combat aircraft (CCA). Source: Lockheed Martin

According to its developers, the drone will be capable of integrating with 5th and next-gen aircraft to advance the Family of Systems vision for next-gen air dominance.

Further, proven Lockheed Martin performance on control systems like the MDCX will be used to enable compatibility across the command and control spectrum.

Lockheed Martin suggests that the system draws on its legacy in fighter aircraft, autonomous technologies and open mission design. Through Vectis, Skunk Works seeks to steer the future of air power, aiming to deliver integrated capabilities faster and more affordably than ever before.

Skunk Works aims to fly the first Vectis prototype in 2027.