Lockheed Martin Unveils Plans for Pilot-Optional F-35 Upgrade

Lockheed Martin has announced plans to develop an upgraded version of its F-35 fighter jet that could operate without a human pilot.

This initiative aims to integrate advanced technologies from the company’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program into the existing F-35 platform, enhancing its capabilities and extending its operational relevance.

Speaking at Bernstein’s 41st Annual Strategic Decisions Conference on May 28, 2025, Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet stated, “We could make the F-35 pilot optional over a relatively modest time frame based on a lot of the development we’ve done” for sixth-generation fighter competitions. (Source: breakingdefense.com)

The proposed “fifth-generation plus” F-35 would incorporate several enhancements:

– Stealth Improvements: Application of new radar-absorbing and infrared stealth coatings.
– Airframe Modifications: Adjustments to the aircraft’s shape, particularly around engine inlets and exhaust nozzles, to improve performance.
– Electronic Warfare and Networking: Upgrades to electronic warfare systems and network connectivity to enhance situational awareness and survivability.
– Autonomy Software: Integration of advanced autonomy software, enabling the aircraft to operate without a pilot.

Taiclet emphasized that these upgrades could be implemented within two to three years, offering approximately 80% of the capabilities envisioned for sixth-generation fighters at about half the cost. (Source: breakingdefense.com)

This development follows Lockheed Martin’s recent loss in the U.S. Air Force’s NGAD competition to Boeing. By enhancing the F-35 with advanced technologies, Lockheed aims to maintain its competitiveness in the defense aerospace sector.

The F-35 has previously demonstrated autonomous capabilities; in 2023, an F-35 continued to fly for 11 minutes after the pilot ejected, showcasing its ability to operate without direct human control. (Source: defenseone.com)

Lockheed Martin’s initiative to develop a pilot-optional F-35 represents a significant step toward the future of aerial combat, where manned and unmanned systems operate seamlessly to achieve mission objectives.