'Stealth porn': Lockheed Martin Vectis boasts autonomous survivability and lethality

Once you've had a good look at this good-looking machinery, those of us with non-military or non-tech backgrounds might wonder what it is and what the term 'survivability and lethality' means. US military and aerospace multinational Lockheed Martin says: "One was only the beginning. Four more Lockheed Martin Vectis™ aircraft are coming. Vectis™ is designed to deliver a new level of autonomous lethality, survivability, adaptability and operational flexibility for America and its allies". As explained by Defensa.com, the apparent contradiction of survivability and lethality in a military context, "means the drone is designed to be highly lethal against the enemy (destroying targets with precision) and, at the same time, highly survivable (thanks to its ultra-stealthy design that prevents it from being shot down)". For those who do want some detail, the Vectis™ is capable of executing precision strike, ISR targeting, electronic warfare and offensive and defensive counter air missions; provides multi-domain connectivity, whether standalone or as part of integrated teaming missions with crewed aircraft like the F-35; and offers extended endurance ranges compatible with Indo-Pacific, European and Central Command theaters.(Lockheed Martin). The company is also stressing its affordability: "We're not simply building a new platform – we're creating a new paradigm for air power based on a highly capable, customizable and affordable agile drone framework".

Keywords: Lockheed Martin Vectis™, drone framework, autonomous military aircraft, defense systems, global security, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works