Fighter Pilot Controls Drone From Cockpit in Test

Company is experimenting with autonomous and AI-driven drone integration.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

F-22 Raptor [Credit: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works and the U.S. Air Force successfully tested technology enabling an F-22 Raptor pilot to command an uncrewed aerial system (UAS) while in flight.
During the test at Nellis Air Force Base, the pilot utilized an in-cockpit interface to direct the drone to execute a specific mission profile.
This development represents a significant breakthrough in air combat, allowing single-seat aircraft to control drones using intuitive interfaces, aligning with Lockheed's investment in autonomous and AI integration for F-22 and F-35 fighters.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Lockheed Martin’s advanced development arm Skunk Works and the U.S. Air Force have successfully tested technology that allows fighter pilots to control a drone while in flight.

During a recent flight out of Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, an F-22 Raptor pilot used a pilot vehicle interface (PVI) in the cockpit to send control directions to an uncrewed aerial system (UAS), Lockheed said.