# Lockheed's cheaper combat drone targets 2027 flight

> After losing an earlier competition, Lockheed Martin is redesigning its Vectis stealth drone to cost less while keeping it combat-capable.
- Title: Lockheed's cheaper combat drone targets 2027 flight | Shortify
- Summary: After losing an earlier competition, Lockheed Martin is redesigning its Vectis stealth drone to cost less while keeping it combat-capable. Lockheed is…
- Keywords: lockheed martin, vectis, stealth combat drone, collaborative combat aircraft, us air force, increment 2, autonomous aircraft, affordability, defense contracting, skunk works, technology, Lockheed's
- Source: TechRadar — https://techradar.com/pro/engineered-for-affordability-lockheed-martin-says-vectis-stealth-combat-drone-family-will-come-before-2028-promotion-videos-show-two-hidden-missile-bays
- Published: 2026-09-18T00:20:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lockheed martin, vectis, stealth combat drone, collaborative combat aircraft, us air force, increment 2, autonomous aircraft, affordability, defense contracting, skunk works, technology
## Lockheed's new stealth drone revealed
Lockheed Martin released promotional footage of Vectis, a stealth combat aircraft designed to fly autonomous missions alongside crewed fighters like the F-35.
## First prototype flies in 2027
Lockheed expects the first Vectis prototype to take flight in 2027, with four additional aircraft entering development and testing.
## Hidden weapons, stealthy design
The drone carries AIM-120 missiles and GBU-53 Small Diameter Bomb IIs inside internal compartments rather than on external pylons, protecting its stealth signature.
## Smaller and simpler than before
The full-scale mock-up measures 34 feet long with a 38-foot wingspan. Lockheed reduced complexity and cost after losing the earlier Increment 1 competition to rivals Anduril and General Atomics.
## Affordability is the new focus
Lockheed claims Vectis is survivable, affordable, and adaptable, but hasn't disclosed its projected cost. The company says it's engineered for affordability and built for survivability.

> Engineered for affordability and built for survivability, it delivers the flexibility today's operational environment demands.
## Cheaper methods, uncertain specs
Lower costs could involve simpler stealth features, shorter-lived engines, and 3D printing manufacturing. But the Air Force's final Increment 2 requirements remain under development.
## Cost versus capability still unclear
The Air Force must balance affordability against survivability and performance. A more demanding combat role could require expensive propulsion and advanced avionics that conflict with cost goals.
## Key takeaway

Lockheed is betting that simplifying Vectis's design and using cheaper manufacturing methods like 3D printing can win the Air Force's next drone contract, but the final cost-versus-capability balance remains unclear.