Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works and XTEND have completed a new integration effort aimed at enhancing command and control (C2) of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) across multiple classes, supporting evolving joint all-domain command and control (JADC2) concepts.
On December 18, 2025, the companies announced that XTEND’s Operating System (XOS) has been integrated into Skunk Works’ MDCX autonomy platform. This integration allows a single operator to command and control multiple UAS classes simultaneously, improving situational awareness during lower-level mission execution in JADC2 scenarios.
The integration reduces the need for multiple operators and mission handoffs during complex operations, enabling simultaneous control of different UAS types. In November, Skunk Works and XTEND demonstrated an integrated Multi-Class MDCX (MC-MDCX) workstation in a marsupial drone mission, where a larger UAS delivered a smaller Class 1 drone to perform a close-in task.
Previously, control of the smaller drone would typically be handed off to another operator responsible for first-person views, mark-and-fly commands, and immersive control interfaces. With XOS integrated into MC-MDCX, the same operator can now conduct both delivery and close-in missions without transferring control.
The demonstration highlighted a reduction in manpower requirements for complex missions. By eliminating operator handoffs, situational awareness is improved, allowing a single operator to maintain continuity throughout the operation.
XTEND is recognized for combat-proven drone command-and-control solutions used globally by military forces, supporting operations in contested environments where GPS may be denied or radio-frequency links jammed. XOS enables operators with limited experience to execute missions near expert-level proficiency, reducing training time and accelerating mission execution. The system supports a layered response and operational stepdown, allowing forces to adapt control methods as conditions change.
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is now exploring how these techniques can be applied to broader JADC2 missions and decision loops, with the aim of advancing autonomous systems and improving coordination across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.
Skunk Works has focused on concepts that integrate piloted aircraft and uncrewed systems, enabling coordinated operations to shorten the time between data collection and decision-making while enhancing human operator safety.
Marsupial drone concepts, where larger platforms deploy smaller uncrewed systems, are being explored to extend operational reach, reduce crew risk, and maintain persistence in contested areas. These concepts often require multiple operators, but the Skunk Works–XTEND integration allows a single operator to control multiple drone classes via a unified interface, supporting faster decision-making and more flexible mission execution in future operations.
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