In a recent demonstration, an F-35 fighter jet flew over the skies of Texas, USA, successfully transmitting classified data to a command center in Denmark, showcasing how this cutting-edge fifth-generation stealth aircraft collects crucial intelligence and shares it with allies, achieving a new milestone.
The American defense contractor Lockheed Martin announced on May 19th that one of their manufactured F-35 stealth fighters sent classified data from Texas to a command center in Denmark, approximately 5000 miles away. This successful demonstration highlighted the collaborative capabilities of various systems on the F-35 aircraft, marking a new milestone in advancing comprehensive alliance interoperability within the F-35 project.
Equipped with advanced sensors and avionics, the F-35 can act as an “airborne quarterback” for specific missions. The Danish military F-35 jet that took off from Fort Worth, Texas, securely transmitted classified data through the DAGGR-2 system produced by Lockheed’s Skunk Works factory. Subsequently, the command and control system transferred these sensitive information to Denmark’s Skrydstrup Air Base via commercial satellite communications.
DAGGR-2 is an open system gateway (OSG) developed through collaboration between the Skunk Works factory and the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
In a statement, Lockheed Martin expressed, “This is another successful demonstration in a series of multi-domain operations (MDO), proving the F-35’s capability as a powerful force multiplier, enabling allied forces to rapidly deploy accessible capabilities and connect the entire battlefield system.”
In essence, the advantages of the F-35 extend beyond carrying ammunition for airstrikes or air combat missions, enhancing situational awareness effectively.
“This marks an important step for Denmark in enhancing its own capabilities, as it allows our multi-domain operations personnel to witness firsthand the potential of the F-35 in collecting, analyzing, and sharing advanced data in geographically dispersed networks,” said Danish Air Force Major General Jan Dam. “Our close collaboration with the Skunk Works factory played a crucial role in accelerating the rapid deployment of such capabilities, and we are very pleased with the results.”
Denmark is one of the eight countries initially involved in the multinational F-35 project. This fifth-generation stealth fighter has been sold to 12 countries worldwide, with over 1200 aircraft delivered to the militaries of these countries, including the United States, since the rollout of its first aircraft nearly 20 years ago.
The F-35 is considered a critical component of the US airpower, capable of penetrating contested airspace, commanding missions, and utilizing its advanced sensors and network capabilities to lead teams even without launching any weapons.
The recent mission carried out in Denmark is the latest in a series of multi-domain operations (MDO) demonstrations and the second significant test of F-35’s classified data sharing capability outside the US. The first was conducted during the Ramstein Flag exercise, a large-scale multinational live-fire exercise that took place from March 31, 2025, to April 11, 2025.
During the exercise, Dutch F-35 fighters operated in an anti-access/area denial (A2AD) environment, detecting and identifying multiple simulated ground targets. Subsequently, using the Multi-function Advanced Data Link (MADL), target data was transmitted through the Skunk Works OSG to the Dutch command and control center. The center then relayed the information to rocket artillery platforms for attacking and destroying the targets, completing the kill chain in minutes.
This exercise demonstrated the ability of coalition aircraft to exchange crucial mission information across long distances in a sovereign network, enabling more effective and secure joint operations. Overall, these tests aim to address one of the most sensitive and controversial issues in the integration of fifth-generation fighters: how to share tactical-level data among allied nations while maintaining strict data sovereignty.
The United States currently operates all three variants of the F-35 – the A model for conventional takeoff and landing, the B model for short takeoff and vertical landing, and the C model for carrier-based operations, with each variant having been used in combat operations in the Middle East. The Danish Air Force utilizes the F-35A for operations.
(Partial reference to Business Insider)