Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division has announced the successful demonstration of artificial intelligence-driven mission contingency management on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The live test, conducted with a Stalker XE Block 25 UAV and an Alta X 2.0 drone modified by Drone Amplified, showcased how AI can automatically adapt to unexpected problems during unmanned missions.
During the demonstration, several fuel contingency scenarios were simulated. The ground command-and-control system used AI to quickly analyze each situation, generate new plans, and present options to the operator. After the operator chose a preferred solution, the AI reassigned mission tasks from the Stalker UAV to the Alta X drone and directed the Stalker to return to base. This allowed operators to address unforeseen issues while maintaining focus on other important mission tasks.
The test also integrated data from the Stalker UAV into a unified command node that managed both aerial and ground unmanned vehicles, including an Unmanned Ground Vehicle in Kansas supported by Fulcrum-provided UAVs. This demonstrated that one mobile command unit could oversee multiple drone networks across different locations and configurations.
OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, said: "This demonstration proves AI can move from the lab to the battlefield, delivering a multitude of capabilities ranging from autonomous decision-making to rapid data flow between unmanned vehicles across air, ground and synthetic environments. By fusing AI‑enabled UAV replanning with UGV capabilities, we give warfighters the safety, speed and confidence they need to act first in contested environments."
The team utilized Lockheed Martin's STAR.SDK as part of its STAR.OS constellation during this exercise. STAR.SDK is designed to help developers build and deploy AI services efficiently. It was used here to connect contingency applications with user interfaces so operators could interact with a chat assistant offering re-tasking options. The broader STAR.OS solution enables different AI systems—including those managing unmanned platforms—to operate together effectively.
Lockheed Martin stated that this demonstration is part of its ongoing effort to provide autonomous capabilities and open architecture solutions for expanded multi-domain integration in support of U.S. military personnel and allies.
More information about Lockheed Martin’s multi-domain operations can be found at https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/multi-domain-operations.html
"This demonstration proves AI can move from the lab to the battlefield, delivering a multitude of capabilities ranging from autonomous decision-making to rapid data flow between unmanned vehicles across air, ground and synthetic environments," said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. "By fusing AI‑enabled UAV replanning with UGV capabilities, we give warfighters the safety, speed and confidence they need to act first in contested environments."
For further details or inquiries about this project, contact Candis Roussel at +1 661-264-8592 or candis.s.roussel@lmco.com.
About Lockheed Martin:
Lockheed Martin describes itself as a global defense technology company focused on innovation and scientific discovery in all-domain mission solutions for national security needs.
