F-35 Fighter Jet Demonstrates Drone Command Capabilities with AI Integration

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Lockheed Martin has successfully showcased the F-35 fighter jet's ability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with artificial intelligence (AI). This advancement enables the F-35, the world's leading stealth fighter, to act as a command hub for the U.S. Air Force’s upcoming fleet of Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

During recent demonstrations, conducted in 2024 but announced this week, Lockheed Martin highlighted the integration of AI technologies that allow pilots to manage multiple drones using a touch-screen interface directly from the cockpit. The F-35 can now pilot drone missions, enhancing its operational capabilities alongside human intelligence.

Lockheed Martin's OJ Sanchez remarked on the commitment to advancing air dominance technologies, stating that this innovation aims to create a secure operating environment where fighters and drones can collaborate effectively in combat scenarios. The integration of AI is expected to significantly enhance decision-making speed and adaptability in complex battlefield situations.

The company previously demonstrated similar capabilities using human controllers in simulations involving various aircraft, highlighting the foundational technologies developed over the last decade for enhanced fighter-drone communication. These advancements are positioned to secure air superiority for the U.S. and its allies in the evolving landscape of military warfare.

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