Vectis: Lockheed Martin launches internally funded CCA

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has announced the development of Vectis, a new Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The aircraft is designed to be a “Group 5” uncrewed platform, a designation that signifies a large, capable aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of over 598 kg (1,320 pounds) and the ability to operate at high altitudes.

The company has stated that development of Vectis is underway, with parts having been ordered and a team in place. Lockheed Martin is funding the project with the aim of designing, building, and flying the system within a two-year timeframe.

The Vectis is intended to integrate with fifth and next-generation crewed aircraft, such as the F-35, and to operate as part of a wider “Family of Systems” vision for air dominance. It is designed to perform a range of missions, including precision strikes, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) targeting, electronic warfare, and both offensive and defensive counter-air operations.

The aircraft is designed to operate with multi-domain connectivity, either as a standalone asset or as part of integrated teaming missions with crewed aircraft. Its endurance is intended to be compatible with operational theatres in the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and Central Command, the press release states. This indicates a very long operational range, likely approaching or exceeding 700 nautical miles (at least 1,200 km), which is essential for operating in the Indo-Pacific. This is because China is theoretically able to hold a lot of US bases at risk with its arsenal of long-range precision strike weapons. An operational range in excess of 1,800 km would allow Vectis (or any aircraft) to operate from more easily defended US bases without tanker support. 

For reference, the F-35A and F-35C have a combat radius of around 1,000 km and 1,100 km respectively with internal fuel. The F-35B is around 800 km, all using internal fuel. This range would likely require support from very vulnerable tankers to get airpower within reach of Chinese ships and other targets, or risk bringing a carrier strike group much closer to China’s mainland and within reach of more of its offensive assets. So, having a long-range CCA, combined with the anticipated long endurance of the F-47, is seen as essential for the Indo-Pacific. 

The system’s design incorporates stealth features and is built using advanced manufacturing and digital engineering techniques. The company has stated that the aircraft is being developed with an open-systems architecture to avoid vendor lock and that it will be compatible with existing command and control systems, including the company’s own Multi-Domain Combat System (MDCX). The MDCX is a software package that provides autonomy, mission planning, and command and control for uncrewed vehicles. MDCX has already been used as part of the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control Station, which enables the US Navy to pilot unmanned vehicles from aircraft carriers. 

Vectis and the USAF’s CCA programme

The YFQ-42A collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) undergoing flight tests with the US Air Force. Credit: GA-ASI. 

The US Air Force’s CCA programme is a key component of the Next Generation Air Dominance initiative. The programme aims to field large numbers of modular, affordable, uncrewed aircraft to operate alongside fifth and sixth-generation fighters. The programme is structured to use multiple vendor designs and competitive development to reduce risk. Five vendors, including Lockheed Martin, were selected to submit designs for the programme, which led to the selection of General Atomics and Anduril. Those companies were contracted to develop their designs into working prototypes. 

Recent flight tests for the CCA programme have included the YFQ-42A, a prototype developed by General Atomics. The YFQ-42A commenced flight testing in California in August 2025 and is contributing data on platform airworthiness, flight autonomy, and mission system integration. The Air Force has stated that the programme is intended to help “rethink the battlespace” and extend the reach and lethality of combat operations through human-machine teaming. A decision on which designs will enter production is expected in 2026.

Although Lockheed Martin was not selected, it has continued development of Vectis using internal company funds. The company may have another opportunity to approach the CCA programme under Increment 2, which is expected to be awarded in 2026. Increment 1 focused on teaming with manned fighters, and Increment 2 is set up to introduce more capabilities like improved stealth and sensors, as well as the ability to integrate with other platforms like the B-21 and E-7 early warning aircraft. Boeing Australia has recently demonstrated the integration of its MQ-28 Ghost Bat with the E-7A, which could also put the company in a strong position for Increment 2. 

Calibre comment

One of the driving forces behind CCA’s is the prospect of large-scale combat and the attrition that is expected to follow. Even the US, with thousands of frontline fighter aircraft technically available, has requested an expansion in squadron numbers to account for assumed attrition in a war with China. CCAs are seen as a viable solution to this challenge because they are expected to require far less operator training than a manned jet.This means they can be used to generate initial combat mass, and absorb attrition without endangering a country’s overall war effort. However, it is worth noting that they are still expensive to procure, and so do not necessarily represent the dramatic savings that come might hope. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 23, 2025. Credit for the lead image is Lockheed Martin, it shows the Vectis CCA.