USMC Views F-35 'Quarterbacking' Drones as Gateway to Sixth-Generation Fighter
The U.S. Marine Corps is actively developing its strategy for future air combat by using F-35 Lighting IIs to control unmanned aircraft. This concept, described as the F-35 pilot acting as a 'quarterback,' involves directing drones to perform tasks like surveillance, electronic warfare, and strikes. These manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) experiments are crucial for gathering data and refining tactics. The insights gained are directly informing the requirements for the USMC's next-generation fighter program. Ultimately, this approach is seen as an essential bridge, leveraging current assets to define the capabilities of future sixth-generation platforms.
Official Source: https://www.twz.com/air/f-35s-quarterbacking-drones-seen-as-gateway-to-usmcs-6th-gen-fighter
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