Australia has become the first nation to launch an integrated virtual training platform that connects its Air Force pilots across the country.
The Australian Department of Defence, partnering with Lockheed Martin, has connected F-35 simulators at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases Williamtown and Tindal.
Lockheed Martin Vice President of F-35 Training and Logistics Raashi Quattlebaum said the two sites, which are over 2800 km apart, now have access to the F-35’s distributed mission training (DMT) network.
“This establishes Australia as the first international F-35 customer to receive this capability, further enhancing global mission readiness and interoperability of the F-35 fleet,” Mr Quattlebaum.
“With distributed mission training, we’re not just connecting simulators – we’re connecting pilots and strengthening operations for 21st century security.”
He said by training together in a virtual environment, F-35 pilots could build the skills and confidence needed to execute their missions.
Lockheed Martin Program Director for F-35 Australia Rob Weitzman said DMT connected F-35 simulators across borders, enabling seamless training exercises between F-35 pilots stationed across the globe.
“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,” Mr Weitzman said.
