Lockheed Martin Flight-Tests Tactical AI Combat ID on F-35

Lockheed says the in-flight demo marked the first time a tactical AI model independently generated a combat identification cue and suggested potential targets to the pilot.

 

March 2, 2026

 

Lockheed Martin disclosed on Feb. 23 that it successfully flight-tested an artificial intelligence/machine-learning (AI/ML) capability on an F-35, marking what the company described as the first time a tactical AI model independently suggested a combat target to a fighter pilot during a flight.

 

The demonstration, called Project Overwatch, was conducted at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada and integrated an AI/ML model into the aircraft’s mission/information control system. In the test, the model analyzed onboard data and presented the pilot with potential targets, while also “resolv[ing] ambiguities among emitters,” according to Lockheed Martin’s description of the capability.

 

According to Lockheed, engineers used an automated tool to label a newly discovered emitter class, retrain the AI model, and reload the updated model for the next flight. This was described as occurring within minutes and within the same mission planning cycle/available for the next sortie.

 

About Us

 

Amphenol Aerospace is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of interconnect products for the military and aerospace markets.

 

 

Visit our Product Configurator to get 3D models of the exact configuration that you are looking for.