Lockheed Martin and the RAF demonstrate F-35 interoperability with a non-US Command and Control system via the DEIMOS project.
Lockheed Martin and the British Royal Air Force have demonstrated a world first: the ability of an F-35 to share classified data in real time with a non-American Command and Control system, the RAF’s NEXUS system. This demonstration, carried out as part of the DEIMOS project, is a significant step towards multi-domain integration between allied forces. This success is based on the use of Open Systems Gateway technology, enabling information exchange via commercial satellite communications, highlighting Lockheed Martin’s innovative capabilities and the cooperation between industrial and military partners.
First transmission of classified data between the F-35 and a non-US system
The DEIMOS project marks a major technological breakthrough in international military cooperation. For the first time, classified data from an F-35, flying from Fort Worth, Texas, has been transmitted in real time to a non-American Command and Control (C2) system, the Royal Air Force’s NEXUS. This connection was achieved using the Open Systems Gateway (OSG) developed by Skunk Works, via commercial satellite communications to an RAF laboratory in Farnborough, UK.
This success represents a step forward towards the integration of allied forces in a shared battlespace. The fact that classified data can be exchanged so rapidly between the Command and Control systems of different countries demonstrates the increased interoperability of defense technologies, essential for multinational military operations. The implications for security are far-reaching: this capability offers instantaneous, coordinated vision of a battlefield, increasing the responsiveness of allied forces.
The fifth-generation F-35 is equipped with advanced sensors capable of capturing and transmitting vast quantities of data. Until now, this information has often remained isolated in a national context for security reasons. Thanks to the DEIMOS project, this barrier has been lifted, enabling data to be used jointly by the USA and its allies. The challenge lay mainly in system compatibility, and Skunk Works’ OSG proved to be an effective solution for harmonizing these sensitive data flows.
A strategic collaboration between Lockheed Martin, the Royal Air Force and SixWorks
The Royal Air Force (RAF), in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and SiXWorks, has demonstrated the power of cooperation between public and private players to develop innovative defense capabilities. According to Air Commodore Chris Melville, this collaboration illustrates how working in partnership can respond quickly and effectively to urgent defense needs. By joining forces, these organizations were able to develop and implement an innovative data-sharing solution in just a few months – a significant time saving compared to traditional military development processes.
This collaboration has reduced design and test times, a strategic priority in today’s context of increasing global threats. Indeed, military development cycles are often long, sometimes exceeding ten years between initial design and commissioning. Partnerships such as this make it possible to respond rapidly to emerging threats, integrating new capabilities into existing systems almost immediately.
SiXWorks played a key role in developing the interface between Lockheed Martin’s system and that of the RAF, ensuring that the data transmitted was both secure and immediately usable. This type of collaboration between private companies and military authorities is an example of how technological innovation can be accelerated by pooling skills and resources.
Increased interoperability for rapid response to global threats
Multi-domain integration, as exemplified by the DEIMOS project, is at the heart of modern defense strategies. The ability of allied forces to instantly share critical information enables them to better coordinate in the face of global threats. John Clark, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, emphasized the importance of military systems interoperability between allies, particularly in a context where threats are rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly complex.
The DEIMOS demonstration highlights the F-35’s ability to act as a force multiplier, facilitating communication between different platforms and Command & Control systems. This is particularly relevant in the context of multi-domain operations, where coordination between air, land, sea and cyber forces is crucial to ensure an effective response. By enabling these data exchanges, the F-35 provides a unified, real-time view of the battlefield, facilitating decision-making and resource allocation.
The DEIMOS project is also an example of how open architectures can be used to integrate systems from different origins. By using compatible technologies and open standards, it becomes possible to avoid dependence on a single supplier and maximize operational flexibility. This approach also offers economic advantages, by enabling the integration of new technologies without having to replace entire systems, thus reducing costs for armed forces.
Open architecture for efficient multi-domain integration
The concept of open architecture is central to the future of defense. The solutions developed by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works as part of the DEIMOS project demonstrate how open systems can be used to facilitate the integration of diverse technologies between allied forces. The main advantage of an open architecture is its ability to accommodate innovations from different suppliers, while guaranteeing the interoperability of military equipment.
In the case of the DEIMOS project, the use of the Open Systems Gateway enabled the creation of a gateway between American and British systems, thus ensuring fluid and secure data exchange. This architecture also makes it possible to respond more rapidly to technological developments, as it does not impose rigid constraints on the origin of integrated technologies. For example, an allied country could develop a new surveillance capability, which could be integrated into the overall system without requiring a complete overhaul of existing infrastructures.
The economic implications are also significant. By favoring open architectures, armed forces can reduce their maintenance and integration costs. Unlike proprietary systems, which often require costly upgrades and exclusive contracts with suppliers, open systems offer greater flexibility and freedom in the choice of industrial partners. This translates into optimized defense budgets, while guaranteeing continuous modernization of operational capabilities.
Future prospects for the integration of allied forces
The success of the DEIMOS project opens up new prospects for the integration of allied forces. In a context of growing global threats, the ability to share information in real time between partners has become a strategic priority. The lessons learned from this demonstration could be applied to other platforms, such as UAVs, warships and missile defense systems, to create a truly integrated and responsive defense network.
One of the major challenges will be to guarantee the cybersecurity of these data exchanges. With the increasing cyber-attack capabilities of certain states, the security of information flows between allies will need to be reinforced. The DEIMOS project has already demonstrated the ability to transfer classified data securely, but the next step will be to integrate cybersecurity systems capable of detecting and neutralizing threats in real time.
The future of defense lies in increased cooperation between allied nations, and in the adoption of technologies that facilitate this cooperation. The DEIMOS project is a concrete example of what can be achieved when technological and bureaucratic barriers are lifted to achieve a common goal: collective security. Tomorrow’s armed forces will be those that can rapidly integrate innovations and coordinate their efforts to meet the complex challenges of a constantly changing world.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.