“Sky Alliance: Royal Netherlands Air Force and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® Unveil Game-Changing F-35 Interoperability at Ramstein Flag”
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Skunk Works and the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) demonstrated the inaugural 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 real-time live fly event, the Dutch F-35s operating in an Anti-Access Area Denial context successfully detected, identified, and relayed targeting information on multiple simulated ground assets via Multifunction Advanced Datalink through the Skunk Works’ Open Systems Gateway (OSG) into Keystone. Subsequently, Keystone conveyed this data to a rocket artillery platform that engaged a ground target and confirmed successful neutralization, completing the feedback loop. This entire sequence was accomplished from initiation to conclusion within minutes. This marks a pivotal moment and a substantial advancement in multi-domain integration, showcasing F-35 interoperability among numerous 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 frameworks to obtain accurate targeting intelligence, enabling them to effectively detect, track, and neutralize threats. This improved situational awareness and interoperability provide joint forces with the ability to react more swiftly and decisively, ultimately enhancing the collective defense of partners and allies.
“Ramstein Flag was a phenomenal success, illustrating the strength of collaboration between United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) and Skunk Works,” stated RNLAF Air Commodore Bert ‘Vida’ de Smit. “We are delighted with the outcomes and anticipate continuing this collaboration with our partners to foster innovation and enhance our integrated battlespace capabilities.”
“The joint all-domain capabilities exhibited at Ramstein Flag represent a significant leap in multi-domain operations, highlighting the F-35’s proficiency in seamlessly collaborating with our international partners’ C2 frameworks,” remarked OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “This accomplishment underscores the strength of our alliances with the RNLAF and USAFE-AFAFRICA. Lockheed Martin is fast-tracking the delivery of innovative MDO capabilities that bolster the efficiency of our allies’ F-35 fleets to ensure peace through allied strength.”
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is dedicated to providing open architecture solutions that enhance multi-domain integration competencies across allied forces.
For additional information, visit our website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/multi-domain-operations.html
