Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Skunk Works and the Danish Ministry of Defence (MOD) completed a successful live F-35 interoperability demonstration. This is another success in a series of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) demonstrations proving the F-35’s ability to serve as a powerful force multiplier, enabling allied forces to rapidly deploy ready-now capabilities to connect systems across the battlespace. Danish F-35s flying out of Fort Worth, Texas, shared classified data via DAGGR-2, a Skunk Works’ Open Systems Gateway (OSG) developed under a partnership with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), through commercial satellite communications and displayed at Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark.
“This collaboration with the Danish MOD enabled us to do what we do best at Skunk Works – rapidly deploy ready-now capabilities at a pace unparalleled in the industry and prove it through real-world flights. This demonstration builds on our successful track record of collaboration with international partners and defines what truly sets us apart: our commitment to Open Systems Architecture, which enables seamless integration across any platform, sensor, or shooter – regardless of the manufacturer,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.
“This marked a significant milestone toward enhancing Denmark’s capabilities, as it enabled our MDO staff to witness in real-time the potential of the F-35’s ability to collect, analyse and share advanced data across geographically dispersed networks. Our close collaboration with Skunk Works has been instrumental in accelerating the rapid deployment of such capabilities, and we’re very pleased with the results,” said Danish Air Chief, Maj. Gen. Jan Dam. “.”
The Royal Danish Air Force operates a growing fleet of F-35s, with 10 jets delivered by October 2023, and plans to acquire 27 in total. These aircraft are based at Skrydstrup Air Base, which has become a hub for NATO’s air operations in Northern Europe. The ability to share real-time data with allied forces enhances Denmark’s strategic importance within the alliance, particularly in the Baltic region, where tensions with Russia have prompted increased NATO presence. More than 1,170 F-35s are currently operational around the globe, and the fleet surpassed 1 million flight hours. The combat proven F-35 operates from 50 bases worldwide, including 10 nations operating on home soil. As adversaries advance and legacy aircraft age, the F-35 is critical to maintaining air dominance for decades to come.
