In an increasingly complex and uncertain security environment, it is more important than ever that nations have the capabilities they need to protect what matters most. This is at the heart of Lockheed Martin’s vision for 21st Century Security. Through this vision, the Company aims to provide mission-specific, interoperable, network-centric capabilities that deliver a new standard of connected protection.
Italy: an early adopter of the F-35
The F-35 Lightning II is a key enabler of 21st Century Security. The Italian Air Force has the largest fleet of F-35s in service in the European Union and was the first European partner to declare Initial Operational Capability (IOC). The F-35 guarantees Italy a key role in strengthening interoperability at the national level and between allied countries, thanks to the ability to connect the F-35s of the allied fleets and to promote the integration between fourth and fifth generation aircraft.
One of the most distinctive capabilities of the F-35 is the incomparable situational awareness made possible by the advanced radars and sensors on board. Thanks to the network of connections of its platform, the F-35 can act as an interface for the exchange of information and communications, sharing the operational picture with land, sea and air vehicles, thus enhancing the effectiveness of all forces in the field.
The central node for 21st Century Security
The F-35 has demonstrated the centrality of its role in Lockheed Martin’s vision for 21st Century Security during the various exercises in which it has taken part in recent years. During one exercise, for example, a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher on an amphibious vehicle was connected to an F-35. Using and integrating data from the F-35, HIMARS was able to destroy a ground target at a range of 70 kilometers.
This is just one example of how Lockheed Martin is fielding future-focused capabilities by integrating new and existing systems with advanced, open-architecture networking technologies. By leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy and resilient computing, Lockheed Martin is able to provide users with greater range, speed, agility, resilience and the advantage of rapid decision-making.
Support for Italian Industry
The involvement of Italian industry is fundamental to the success of the F-35: it will continue to support the program for over 30 years, through the production of strategic parts, final assembly of the aircraft and a key role in the continuous maintenance system of the F-35 globally.
Italy has invested significantly in the industrial and operational infrastructure of the F-35 program, including the state-of-the-art facilities at Amendola Air Base and the production facilities in Cameri. The trivalent hub in Cameri plays a central role in the program, and will continue to do so in the coming decades, for the production of the wings, final assembly and check-out (FACO) and maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade (MROU) activities. The first F-35 assembled in Cameri made its maiden flight in 2015.
Focus on the mission
In a constantly changing landscape, one constant remains: anticipating threats – connecting systems and people so they can make informed decisions faster – is essential for a safer and more secure world. Through its vision for Security in the 21st Century, Lockheed Martin is bringing innovation to the industry and ensuring integrated and tailored solutions for every mission, with deterrence as the ultimate goal.
Images: Liz Lutz, Tom Reynolds, Matt Short (via Lockheed Martin)