US-based Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has introduced the Vectis, a Group 5 collaborative combat aircraft designed to operate alongside fifth-generation and next-generation fighter jets, the company announced in a press release.

A Group 5 is a classification for the largest, most capable uncrewed aerial systems—defined as drones with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 pounds (600 kg) or more, capable of flying at altitudes above 18,000 feet.

The unmanned system aims to provide what Lockheed Martin calls "best in CCA class survivability" whilst integrating with existing aircraft like the F-35 Lightning II to advance air dominance capabilities.

OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, said the Vectis represents "a new paradigm for air power based on a competent, customizable and affordable agile drone framework."

The aircraft is designed to execute precision strike, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance targeting, electronic warfare, and offensive and defensive counter-air missions. It features extended range capabilities for operations across Indo-Pacific, European and Central Command theatres.

It is engineered to integrate seamlessly with fifth- and next-generation crewed aircraft (like the F-22 and F-35), supporting manned-unmanned teaming where the drone acts as a “digital wingman” for piloted jets. The F-22, for example, can act as a “quarterback,” managing multiple Vectis drones in a networked formation.

Lockheed Martin says the Vectis leverages decades of stealth experience to deliver enhanced survivability, applying advanced manufacturing and digital engineering techniques to maintain affordability at a competitive price.

The system is built on open architectures to avoid vendor lock-in by aligning with government reference architectures, allowing integration across multiple command and control systems.

The design supports long-range missions across the Indo-Pacific, European, and Middle Eastern theatres, with endurance likely exceeding 1,200 km, critical for extended operations in contested environments.

Development is underway with parts ordered and testing planned. Skunk Works aims to design, build, and fly the system within two years while targeting aggressive cost parameters.

The announcement comes as the US military pursues collaborative combat aircraft programmes to extend the capabilities of manned fighters through unmanned systems that can operate in contested environments.

Lockheed Martin joins other defence contractors developing unmanned platforms designed to work alongside traditional fighter aircraft in future air combat scenarios.

So far, there is no official announcement on availability for sale or export; orders will depend on future procurement decisions by the US or allied governments.