Lockheed Martin links 16 F-35 simulators across four bases for multidomain combat rehearsal with F-18 and E-2D participants – Defence Industry Europe

Lockheed Martin links 16 F-35 simulators across four bases for multidomain combat rehearsal with F-18 and E-2D participants  Defence Industry Europe

Lockheed Martin connected 16 F-35 full mission simulators across four bases for a two-hour distributed mission rehearsal. Lockheed Martin connected 16 F-35 full mission simulators across four bases for a two-hour distributed mission rehearsal. F-18 simulators and an E-2D Hawkeye controller joined the event from a fifth location. The F-35 simulators operated from Marine Corps Air Stations Yuma, Miramar and Iwakuni, and Naval Air Station Lemoore. The F-18 simulators and E-2D controller participated from Naval Air Station Oceana. The company used its tactical environment simulation to replicate a multidomain mission spanning air, surface and cyber operations. The scenario allowed geographically separated crews and controllers to train together against a common operational picture.

Lockheed Martin said the participating sites maintained command-and-control links and completed every training objective. Teams reported uninterrupted situational awareness and data exchange throughout the event. “This exercise enabled warfighters to train the way they fight,” said Ken Garrett, vice president of F-35 Training and Logistics. “They complete complex missions in coordination across distances – their training should represent their missions.” The event focused on building operational preparation across units based at separate installations. “Mission rehearsal across multiple bases builds the readiness, interoperability and confidence required to win tomorrow’s missions,” Garrett said.