Lockheed Martin Uses 5th Gen Fighter to Command Drone in Flight

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Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced that on Nov. 19, 2025 an F-22 pilot at Nellis Air Force Base successfully commanded an uncrewed aerial system in flight using a cockpit pilot vehicle interface (PVI).

The test used an open cockpit interface to send control directions and task the drone with a mission profile, demonstrating integration-ready human-machine teaming between 5th‑gen fighters and autonomous UAS. Lockheed Martin said the event advances cockpit command-and-control capability and supports the U.S. Air Force family-of-systems vision for F-22 and F-35 teaming.

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NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev., Nov. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (NYSE: LMT), with industry partners and the U.S. Air Force, controlled an uncrewed aerial system (UAS) from the cockpit of a 5th Gen fighter while in flight.

During the flight out of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, an F-22 Raptor pilot successfully used an open interface in the cockpit to send control directions to another airborne UAS.

"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," said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. 

The F-22 pilot used a pilot vehicle interface (PVI) to command the drone 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. 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. 

This flight event and other ongoing evaluations are crucial steps in realizing the Air Force's family of systems vision. Human-machine teaming enhances situational awareness, interoperability, survivability and flexibility, unlocking a significant advantage for the U.S. Air Force. By integrating the F-22 with other advanced systems we're bolstering the capabilities of our warfighters, ensuring American airpower dominance.

Lockheed Martin's proactive approach to building, testing and improving 5th Gen teaming capabilities is at the forefront of innovation, demonstrating the future of air combat today. 

About Lockheed Martin 
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com. 

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

FAQ

What did Lockheed Martin demonstrate with an F-22 on November 19, 2025?

An F-22 pilot at Nellis used a cockpit pilot vehicle interface (PVI) to command an uncrewed aerial system in flight.

How does the PVI used by Lockheed Martin affect F-22 and F-35 operations?

The PVI is described as an integration-ready cockpit interface to enable human-machine teaming between 5th‑gen fighters and autonomous drones.

Where was the Lockheed Martin F-22 drone-command flight conducted on Nov. 19, 2025?

The flight was conducted out of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

Which organizations participated in the November 19, 2025 flight demonstration?

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works worked with industry partners and the U.S. Air Force on the demonstration.

What mission role did the drone perform during the F-22 cockpit test?

The F-22 pilot used the PVI to command the drone to execute a specified mission profile while airborne.

Why does Lockheed Martin say this cockpit drone control test matters for investors or defense stakeholders?

Lockheed Martin frames the test as advancing human-machine teaming, interoperability, and future combat capability for 5th‑gen platforms.