Updated versions of the F-35 may soon operate without the need for a pilot in the cockpit, as Lockheed Martin is exploring the possibility of turning the fighter jet into an optionally manned platform.
According to CEO Jim Taiclet, what’s being referred to as the “fifth-generation plus” version will feature upgraded stealth coatings and could be flown with or without a pilot depending on mission requirements. He noted that Lockheed Martin has invested heavily in sixth-generation fighter development, and some of those technologies are now being adapted for the F-35. “As for other sixth-generation capabilities, we believe that within the next two to three years, we can significantly enhance the F-35 by incorporating some of those technologies,” Taiclet said.
Years ago, Lockheed Martin lost the U.S. Air Force’s sixth-generation fighter competition. The program, known as Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD), was awarded to Boeing. At the time, however, Lockheed Martin emphasized that it would continue to develop the F-35, which it claimed offered nearly 80% of sixth-generation capabilities at a lower cost.
Now, many of the cutting-edge technologies initially developed for the NGAD program may be incorporated into the upgraded version of the F-35. These enhancements could include integration with advanced electronic warfare systems, a next-generation radar, and the latest infrared-absorbing coatings designed to reduce the aircraft’s infrared signature.
Currently, the F-35 already possesses some autonomous capabilities. These were notably demonstrated in 2023, when the aircraft continued flying for 11 minutes after the pilot had ejected. However, officials have not publicly discussed the possibility of a fully autonomous F-35.
The idea of creating a so-called “boosted” version of the F-35 was first mentioned by CEO Jim Taiclet during Lockheed Martin’s Q1 financial report. At that time, he emphasized that the development team could integrate 80% of sixth-generation technologies while spending only half the cost of a brand-new project. This was reported by Defense One.
The manufacturer claims that this aircraft is essential for ensuring air dominance and mission success across all domains. As the most capable, survivable, and interconnected combat aircraft in the world, it is designed to unify air, land, sea, space, and cyber operations into a single system to achieve strategic superiority.
The company claims that the F-35 is not just a fighter jet but a force multiplier. Its unmatched ability to gather, process, and share data enhances the capabilities of joint forces, strengthens global partnerships, and keeps pilots ahead of emerging threats—all while helping ensure their safe return home, according to Lockheed Martin.
“We’ve made some adjustments—or rather, drawn conclusions—regarding what we call the external shape line, which is essentially the aircraft’s physical form, particularly in terms of the engine nozzle inlets and outlets. These are aspects we can further improve on the F-35 without redesigning it,” said Taiclet.
However, the CEO emphasized that while some enhancements may be ready within a couple of years, reaching the production stage will take time, as all types of new hardware and software updates cannot be implemented simultaneously.
The process involves the gradual rollout of new features to maintain quality across large-scale production, Breaking Defense reports.
Source: Interestingengineering
