Lockheed Martin promises to make F-35 a "Ferrari": fighter jet will receive sixth-generation technology
Lockheed Martin is planning a radical upgrade of the F-35, incorporating developments for the sixth generation fighter into the aircraft. The goal is to make it more powerful, stealthier and even potentially unmanned.
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Lockheed CEO James Tackleton said at the Bernstein conference in New York that the F-35 will receive a "significant increase in capabilities" in two to three years. This refers to the transfer to the F-35 of some of the technologies from the NGAD (Next-Generation Air Dominance) programme, in which Lockheed lost to Boeing, which presented the new F-47.
Lockheed plans to upgrade the F-35's stealth coating, change the aerodynamic elements of the hull, introduce new weapons, electronic warfare systems, AI and unmanned control options. According to Tyklet, the upgraded F-35 will be able to provide up to 80% of the NGAD's capabilities at half the cost. The company is already working on these changes, gradually integrating them into the aircraft without disrupting the production process.
A key step is the introduction of the TR3 (Technology Refresh 3) upgrade, which has already begun to be installed on aircraft in Texas. It includes a new processor, improved memory, displays, and a distributed aperture system with six sensors for enhanced sensing. TR3 is a prerequisite for the next major upgrade, Block 4. However, the integration of the new equipment is behind schedule, but Lockheed promises that all new F-35s will be ready for combat by the end of 2025.
Tyklet emphasised that the future of air superiority is not limited to the characteristics of the aircraft itself, but lies in its ability to work in a network - with drones, aircraft and other systems.
Source: Defence News
