Lockheed Martin Applies AI on F-35 Fighter to Enhance Combat ID System

Lockheed Martin tests artificial intelligence enhanced Combat Identification capability integrated into the F-35’s information fusion system.

Lockheed Martin has flight-tested a potential new artificial intelligence function for its F-35 Lightning fighter. The demonstration, known as Project Overwatch, is the first time a tactical AI model has been utilized in flight to generate an independent Combat ID on the pilot display.

This expands on efforts made throughout the organization to innovate in order to satisfy the warfighter's immediate needs in a threatening environment. In reality, that involves speeding up capability at scale. Lockheed Martin has used new innovative methods to distribute real-time, over-the-air software updates to the Aegis multi-mission warfare system on deployed US Navy ships in the Red Sea, allowing for rapid response to advanced drone and missile threats.

Although the Lockheed release provided only few details about the AI's operation, it did state that AI/machine learning model built and trained by Lockheed Martin resolved ID ambiguities among emitters, improving situational awareness and reducing pilot decision making latency during a test at Nellis Air Force base in Nevada. Unlike infrared or optical sensors, "emitters" in a military context usually refers to radio-frequency emissions from radars and communications systems.

Including this powerful AI into the F-35's mission system allows pilots to better analyze threats and make faster judgments, as operators do not have time to synthesize data in combat. "This is a demonstration of 6th generation technology brought to a 5th generation platform," said Jake Wertz, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' vice president of F-35 Combat Systems.

Lockheed Martin has invested in and innovated in AI for decades in an effort to make its systems more intelligent, secure, and networked. With almost 1,300 aircraft in service and 12 countries operating the F-35, the platform is still growing throughout the world's fleet.