“Gloves are off” as US Defense Secretary memo calls for sweeping drone procurement reform
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has promised to usher in a new era of “military drone dominance”.
F-35s integrated with IBCS in recent test
A recent test at White Sands Missile Range saw two US Air Force F-35s integrated with the US Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), to provide an airborne sensor capability to detect, track and intercept near simultaneous air-breathing threats.
The test, carried out in December, marked the first time F-35s have been used as sensors during an IBCS live fire test against multiple airborne targets.
Linking F-35s to IBCS via the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) provided enhanced situational awareness and weapons-quality track data to engage airborne targets. The proof of concept demonstration used experimental equipment developed by Lockheed Martin, including the Harvest Lightning Ground Station and IBCS adaptation kit.
This test is the latest in a series of successful activities to demonstrate the F-35’s role as the keystone of the joint force.
Greg Ulmer, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of the F-35 program, said: ‘The F-35’s advanced sensors and connectivity enable it to gather, analyse and seamlessly share critical information with the joint fighting force to lead the multi-domain battlespace. This test validated the F-35’s capability to serve as an airborne sensor and extend the range of critical Integrated air and missile defence interceptors.’
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