During Ramstein Flag exercise
In a significant milestone for international defence collaboration, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) have demonstrated the first-ever live sharing of classified data outside the United States. This was achieved between an F-35 fighter jet in flight and a Dutch Command and Control (C2) system known as Keystone. The breakthrough occurred during Ramstein Flag, a European Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) exercise.
The live fly scenario involved Dutch F-35s operating in a simulated Anti-Access Area Denial environment, detecting and identifying multiple ground targets. The jet’s advanced Multifunction Advanced Datalink (MADL) transmitted targeting data through Skunk Works’ Open Systems Gateway (OSG) into the Keystone C2 environment.
From there, Keystone relayed the information to a rocket artillery platform, swiftly engaging the simulated ground threats and confirming successful takedowns. The entire targeting and engagement cycle was accomplished within minutes, marking a significant step forward in real-time, multi-domain interoperability.
This event showcases the speed and precision of the F-35 and allied C2 systems, establishing a precedent for future international defence cooperation. By unlocking the extensive data captured by the F-35 and allowing it to integrate into allied air and missile defence systems, the Skunk Works Open Systems Gateway empowers joint forces with improved situational awareness and quicker decision-making.
The result is a more interconnected and responsive network of partners capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralising threats with unmatched efficiency.
Air Commodore Bert ‘Vida’ de Smit of the Royal Netherlands Air Force praised the achievement, highlighting the importance of collaboration. “Ramstein Flag was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of cooperation between United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) and Skunk Works,” he said. “We are thrilled with the results and look forward to continuing this work with our partners to drive innovation and advance our integrated battlespace capabilities.”
OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, echoed this sentiment. “The combined joint all-domain capabilities demonstrated at Ramstein Flag are a breakthrough in multi-domain operations, emphasising the F-35’s ability to integrate with our international partners’ C2 environments seamlessly,” he said.
“This achievement is a testament to our partnerships with the RNLAF and USAFE-AFAFRICA. Lockheed Martin is accelerating delivery of novel MDO capabilities that enhance the effectiveness of our allies’ F-35 fleets to ensure peace through allied strength.”
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works continues developing open architecture systems that strengthen the capabilities of allied forces. By fostering greater integration across air, land, sea, cyber, and space domains, these innovations are setting the stage for a more unified and resilient global defence network.
Image: File photo of an F-35 in flight. Credit: Lockheed Martin
