F-35 Lightning II News

November 29, 2024 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The F-35 is now spearheading the integration of manned and unmanned combat systems. Recent tests pairing the F-35 with the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone demonstrated the potential of collaborative combat operations, where advanced stealth jets and autonomous vehicles work together to dominate the battlefield.
F-35 and Valkyrie: A Revolutionary Partnership
The U.S. Air Force is leveraging the F-35’s cutting-edge capabilities—stealth, advanced sensors, and networked communication—to direct and collaborate with the XQ-58A Valkyrie. In these tests, the F-35 serves as the hub of a tactical network, commanding the Valkyrie to perform critical tasks such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and even precision strikes. The Valkyrie’s Link 16 system enables seamless data exchange, allowing it to act as a wingman to the F-35, amplifying the pilot’s situational awareness and combat options.

This partnership highlights the F-35’s role as a "quarterback" in air combat, coordinating not just with human pilots but also with autonomous drones. The synergy between the manned F-35 and unmanned Valkyrie provides the Air Force with unprecedented flexibility in contested environments, showcasing how these platforms can mutually enhance operational capabilities.

The F-35 in Joint Force Operations
The Marine Corps is also evaluating the XQ-58A alongside F-35s in expeditionary settings, focusing on distributed operations. The Valkyrie, with its ability to launch from remote locations, complements the F-35’s forward-deployment capabilities, making the duo ideal for operations where traditional airfields are unavailable. Exercises like Emerald Flag have underscored the F-35’s ability to integrate seamlessly with autonomous systems, paving the way for multi-domain dominance.

Autonomy and Affordability in Combat
The Valkyrie’s AI-driven autonomy, tested rigorously in millions of simulations, enables it to perform complex missions without direct human control. This complements the F-35’s advanced avionics, allowing the drone to take on high-risk tasks while protecting the piloted aircraft. Moreover, the Valkyrie’s cost-effectiveness makes it a practical choice for missions where attrition is a concern, extending the F-35’s operational impact without jeopardizing expensive assets.

A Vision for the Future
The F-35’s collaboration with the XQ-58A is a key step in the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which envisions fleets of drones working alongside stealth fighters. With plans to acquire thousands of these unmanned systems, the Air Force aims to revolutionize air combat by blending human ingenuity with robotic efficiency. For the F-35, this means evolving from a solo performer to a leader in a team of manned and unmanned assets.

The F-35 Lightning II continues to prove its versatility and adaptability, ensuring it remains at the forefront of military aviation. As the CCA initiative advances, the F-35 will undoubtedly play a central role in defining the future of air combat.