F-35 drone control: Lockheed Martin lets the fighter command drones

With its stealth characteristics, extensive networking and state-of-the-art sensor technologies, the F-35 from Lockheed Martin is regarded as the combat aircraft of the future. Thanks to an AI-supported interface, F-35 drone control is now possible: modern drones can be steered directly from the cockpit of the F-35 and also of the F-22.

More than a decade ago, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, the company's development division, drew up a technology roadmap. This now forms the basis for combat aircraft and drones to communicate securely with each other and carry out demanding missions together.

Lockheed Martin relies on artificial intelligence to complement human capabilities with machine intelligence. This technology enables a seamless connection of systems in the battlespace, resulting in faster decision-making processes and greater operational adaptability.

“We continue to invest heavily in next-generation technologies that enable secure collaboration between combat aircraft and drones in order to strengthen the striking power of the joint force,” stresses OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “Our AI-based autonomous agents are already operational, underlining our commitment to developing and delivering asymmetric advantages for the warfighter early.”

Last year, Lockheed Martin already demonstrated the capability of AI-supported teaming in several other scenarios besides controlling drones from the cockpit of the F-35 and F-22:

• F-35 CCA connectivity demo: In a demonstration, the F-35 proved its ability to control drones such as the future US Air Force fleet of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The AI-supported architecture enabled not only testing but also the step-by-step improvement of collaboration between pilot and drone.
• Project DEIMOS: In a real-time demonstration, an F-35 transmitted encrypted data from Fort Worth, Texas, via Skunk Works’ Open Systems Gateway (OSG) to the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom. Integration into the Nexus command and control (C2) system marks a milestone in multi-domain integration and real-time interoperability with non-US C2 systems.
• MDCX control of drones: The MDCX system demonstrated for the first time the live control of a General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger drone aircraft.
• Pilot-drone teaming: In live tests, Skunk Works showed how pilots can command AI-controlled aircraft in real time using a touchscreen. These tests, based on earlier AI experiments, optimise air-to-air tactics and accelerate decision-making.
• Istari Flyer Øne: With the Flyer Øne, Lockheed Martin is working on the world's first fully digital aircraft certification. A digital twin is certified before a physical model is built – a revolutionary step in aviation development.
• X-62A VISTA: Thanks to open architectures, Lockheed Martin enabled AI-supported flight tests on the X-62A VISTA, including AI-controlled dogfights against human-piloted F-16s. This programme underlines progress in human-machine teams and trustworthy autonomy.

Lockheed Martin plans to push ahead with the integration of drones into the F-35 and F-22 in the new year with short flight tests.