“Next-Gen Skies: Dutch Air Force and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® Launch Revolutionary F-35 Collaboration at Ramstein Flag”
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Skunk Works and the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) showcased the first live classified data exchange outside the United States between an airborne F-35 and Keystone, a Dutch Command and Control (C2) system at the Ramstein Flag, Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) exercise.
During this live fly event in real-time, the Dutch F-35s operating in an Anti-Access Area Denial environment successfully recognized, classified, and transmitted targeting information on various simulated ground targets through Multifunction Advanced Datalink via the Skunk Works’ Open Systems Gateway (OSG) into Keystone. Subsequently, Keystone relayed this information to a rocket artillery unit that engaged a ground target, confirming successful neutralization, thereby completing the feedback loop. This whole process occurred from start to finish within minutes. This signifies a landmark moment and a significant progression in multi-domain integration, displaying F-35 interoperability among various allied nations in real-time.
By unlocking the extensive data capabilities of an F-35, the Skunk Works OSG empowers allied air and missile defense systems to acquire precise targeting intelligence, allowing them to effectively identify, track, and neutralize threats. This enhanced situational awareness and interoperability equips joint forces with the capacity to react more rapidly and decisively, ultimately strengthening the collective defense of partners and allies.
“Ramstein Flag was an outstanding success, demonstrating the power of cooperation between United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) and Skunk Works,” expressed RNLAF Air Commodore Bert ‘Vida’ de Smit. “We are very pleased with the results and look forward to continuing this collaboration with our allies to promote innovation and enhance our integrated battlespace capabilities.”
“The collaborative all-domain capabilities displayed at Ramstein Flag signify a notable advancement in multi-domain operations, emphasizing the F-35’s ability to work seamlessly with our international partners’ C2 systems,” stated OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “This achievement highlights the strength of our alliances with the RNLAF and USAFE-AFAFRICA. Lockheed Martin is accelerating the provision of groundbreaking MDO capabilities that enhance the operational effectiveness of our allies’ F-35 fleets to secure peace through allied strength.”
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is committed to delivering open architecture solutions that improve multi-domain integration capabilities across allied forces.
For further details, visit our site: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/multi-domain-operations.html
