Lockheed Martin Sees Vectis As First Real Shot At Winning CCA Business

Lockheed Martin is positioning its Skunk Works Vectis unmanned combat aircraft for a future increment of the US Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft competition. Company officials expect later requirements to seek greater capabilities than the initial CCA tranche, making Vectis a prospective candidate rather than a selected production platform. Lockheed is building experimental aircraft and has indicated that the first prototype flight remains targeted for 2027. The concept is designed to operate alongside crewed fighters with autonomy and mission-system integration, but its configuration and Air Force acquisition outcome have not been finalized.