F-35 Pilots Dominate the Future Battlespace

Quarterbacks in the sky

Armed with the most advanced sensor suite of any fighter in history, F-35 pilots collect and share information across the battlespace that boosts the lethality of the broader force.

“The F-35 is really like a giant sensor,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Hunter Grunden. “It absorbs a lot of information, both infrared and electronic, so the more F-35s that are operating together, the better picture it can build for us as pilots in the airframe.”

That means strength, in numbers, for allied airpower. Twenty nations and counting will operate F-35s.

“The [F-35] is just absolutely incredible,” said Royal Navy Capt. Colin McGannit. “The capability that the fifth Gen aircraft brings is just incredible, absolutely eye-watering…”

All of the above

F-35s, uncrewed aircraft, artificial intelligence and more are needed to ensure America and allies dominate the skies.

Piloted fighter jets like the F-35 remain essential for maintaining air superiority by sharing information and connecting assets in complex battlespaces.

F-35s have proven how they can integrate with drones and other systems, using artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.