Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works uses F-22 to control UAV in flight

Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, working with industry partners and the US Air Force, has controlled an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) from the cockpit of a fifth-generation fighter while in flight, Lockheed Martin announced on 19 November 2025.

The test flight, which took place out of Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, involved an unspecified UAV and an F-22 Raptor, the pilot of which successfully used a pilot vehicle interface (PVI) in the cockpit to send control directions to the UAV and command it to execute a specific mission profile. The PVI represents a flexible system to provide integration-ready capabilities for both current and future platforms.

“This event demonstrates human-machine teaming capabilities and the future of air combat, today,” stated a company press release. “Lockheed Martin has been focused on the transformative power of autonomous and AI-enabled operations in crewed and uncrewed systems for years, with particular focus on integrating autonomous drones with the F-22 and F-35.”

O J Sanchez, Skunk Works’ vice president and general manager, stated of the test flight, “This effort represents Skunk Works driving a breakthrough in air combat capability, where single-seat aircraft command and control drones with simple and intuitive interfaces in the cockpit.”

Human-machine teaming will be a central part of how in future the US Air Force will adopt a ‘family of systems’ approach to projecting combat air power.

“Human-machine teaming enhances situational awareness, interoperability, survivability and flexibility, unlocking a significant advantage for the US Air Force,” Lockheed Martin stated. “By integrating the F-22 with other advanced systems we’re bolstering the capabilities of our warfighters, ensuring American airpower dominance.”