Ready for Any Mission: Expanding F-35 Training Capabilities

As the most advanced fighter jet in the world, the F-35 delivers unmatched lethality, survivability and connectivity. F-35 pilots are a key part of the aircraft’s role in providing next-generation air power across U.S. military services and around the globe.

With such an important mission, F-35 pilots need advanced training to match.

That's where Lockheed Martin comes in. Working closely with F-35 customers, we’re integrating new technologies and capabilities into the training environment – so pilots can train the way they fight.

One of the key areas of focus is the connection between Full Mission Simulators (FMS), the fully-immersive training environment that accurately replicates the hardware and software found in the aircraft, and Modified Mission Rehearsal Trainers (MMRT), the United States Air Force’s newest small footprint training device. By linking these two devices, we are increasing training capacity, reducing infrastructure costs, and enhancing pilot readiness.

As the new 30P08 software build becomes integrated across devices in 2025, pilots can train in a more realistic and immersive environment, better preparing them for the complexities of modern missions. The rollout of this software keeps the training devices concurrent with what pilots experience in their aircraft, creating a seamless transition from simulator to jet.

But that's not all. We also successfully connected 12 pilot training devices at Luke Air Force Base, demonstrating the scalability of the training system and ensuring that large-scale training exercises can be conducted efficiently and effectively. This highlights the readiness of pilot training devices available at 28 bases globally, giving F-35 pilots access to high-quality training wherever they are stationed.

By connecting F-35 simulators across borders, we’re enabling seamless training exercises between U.S. pilots stationed in different countries. This not only enhances global training interoperability but also provides large-force training capabilities, allowing pilots to practice complex scenarios and build the skills needed for real-world missions.

DMT also offers a cost-effective solution for training, reducing the need for physical deployments and lowering training costs. This is especially important for international customers, who can now connect their F-35 simulators for DMT and lower their costs for large-force training. This increases the efficiency and effectiveness of their training programs, ultimately enhancing cooperation and readiness among their forces.

By providing F-35 pilots with the most advanced training available, we are helping to ensure that they are equipped to outpace threats and dominate the skies for any mission, any time.