Defence in partnership with Lockheed Martin, has connected F-35 simulators at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases Williamtown and Tindal via F-35's distributed mission training (DMT) network.
“With distributed mission training, we’re not just connecting simulators – we’re connecting pilots and strengthening operations for 21st century security,” says Raashi Quattlebaum, vice president of F-35 Training and Logistics at Lockheed Martin. “By training together in a virtual environment, F-35 pilots can build the skills and confidence they need to dominate the skies and execute their missions.”
According to Lockheed Martin, this establishes Australia as the first international F-35 customer to receive this capability. The partnership has connected the two sites over 2,800 km apart for distributed mission training.
“Establishing a distributed mission training network between RAAF bases Williamtown and Tindal provides Australia with an advanced training capability that will enhance the readiness of its pilots while reducing the sustainment costs of its 72 F-35As — the largest fleet of Joint Strike Fighters outside of the US,” says Rob Weitzman, Lockheed Martin Program Director for F-35 Australia. “Lockheed Martin has established our most significant F-35 sustainment presence outside the US in Australia, and we are proud to work with the Department of Defence and our local industry partners to deliver this record-breaking training capability milestone.”
DMT has connected F-35 simulators across borders, enabling training exercises between F-35 pilots stationed all over the world. By providing large-force training capabilities, DMT has enabled pilots to practice complex scenarios and build the necessary skills for missions.