Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin Launches Dominance in the Skies Campaign with Vectis Drone
Lockheed Martin unveils its Dominance in the Skies campaign introducing the Vectis™ drone, Project Overwatch AI, and F-22 Raptor 2.0 upgrades.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed Martin has officially launched its “Dominance in the Skies” campaign, a strategic initiative that shifts the focus from individual aircraft performance to a fully integrated “family of systems.” Released on February 26, 2026, the campaign outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the future of air combat, emphasizing the connectivity between manned fighters, unmanned systems, and artificial intelligence.
According to the company’s announcement, the core objective is “Mission Dominance,” a state where legacy platforms and next-generation technologies operate as a single, cohesive force. The release highlights the introduction of the Vectis™ Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and the integration of Project Overwatch AI into the F-35 fleet as pivotal steps toward this goal.
The campaign introduces two significant technological advancements designed to bridge the gap between current capabilities and future requirements.
Lockheed Martin has provided detailed specifications for its new “Group 5” unmanned system, the Vectis™ CCA. Designed to operate alongside the F-35 and F-22, the aircraft features a stealthy, tailless “lambda wing” configuration intended to maximize survivability in contested environments.
According to the campaign materials, the Vectis™ is scheduled for its first flight in 2027, with Initial Operating Capability (IOC) expected around 2029. Key performance metrics released by the company include:
The drone will be managed via MDCX™, a common control system that allows pilots in manned fighters to task the unmanned aircraft with intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, or strike missions.
The second major revelation is Project Overwatch, an AI-enhanced Combat Identification capability now integrated into the F-35’s sensor fusion system. Lockheed Martin reports that this technology was successfully flight-tested at Nellis Air Force Base earlier this month.
The system is designed to resolve ambiguities between enemy emitters, such as radar and communications signals, in real-time. By automating the identification process, the AI aims to drastically reduce the time required for pilots to target threats. “6th Generation technology brought to a 5th Generation platform.”
, Lockheed Martin, describing Project Overwatch
The “Dominance in the Skies” campaign delineates specific roles for existing aircraft within this new networked architecture. The strategy relies on Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) principles to connect assets across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.
The F-22 Raptor is receiving a significant sustainment package referred to as “Raptor 2.0.” According to the release, these upgrades include stealthy external fuel tanks and Advanced Sensor Pods (IRST) for long-range infrared detection. Squadron deliveries for these upgraded configurations are set to begin in March 2026.
Meanwhile, the F-35 Lightning II is designated as “The Quarterback” of the fleet. Equipped with Project Overwatch, it serves as the central data hub, processing threat data and distributing it to other assets.
The F-16 Block 70/72 is positioned to provide “Capacity & Mass.” While it lacks the stealth of fifth-generation fighters, it is networked to receive targeting data from F-35s and F-22s, allowing it to engage threats without activating its own radar. Supporting these operations is the C-130J Super Hercules, labeled “The Enabler,” which supports over 20 mission sets including the logistics required for agile combat employment.
The “Dominance in the Skies” campaign signals a definitive move from concept to production for the “loyal wingman” model. For years, the industry has discussed the theoretical benefits of manned-unmanned teaming; the specific timeline for the Vectis™ CCA, with a first flight in 2027, suggests that Lockheed Martin is confident in the maturity of the underlying technology.
Furthermore, the “Raptor 2.0” upgrades indicate a shift in strategy regarding the F-22. Rather than retiring the airframe solely in favor of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, the Air Force and Lockheed Martin appear focused on extending the Raptor’s relevance well into the 2030s through sensor and range enhancements. This approach likely aims to bridge the capability gap while next-generation platforms continue development.
What is the Vectis™ CCA? When will the new technologies be operational? What is the role of the F-16 in this new strategy?
Lockheed Martin Unveils “Dominance in the Skies” Campaign, Introduces Vectis™ Drone and AI Upgrades
New Technologies: Vectis™ and Project Overwatch
Vectis™ Collaborative Combat Aircraft
Project Overwatch AI
The Collective Force: Redefining Aircraft Roles
F-22 “Raptor 2.0” and F-35 Updates
Capacity and Support
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Vectis™ is a stealthy, unmanned combat aircraft designed by Lockheed Martin to fly alongside manned fighters like the F-35 and F-22. It can carry weapons and perform sensing missions.
The Vectis™ UAV is scheduled for its first flight in 2027 and initial operating capability around 2029. The Project Overwatch AI and F-22 upgrades are being rolled out or tested as of early 2026.
The F-16 provides essential capacity and mass. It acts as a weapons truck, engaging targets identified by the stealthier F-35 and F-22 fighters to avoid exposing its own position.
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin