In partnership with Lockheed Martin, the Australian Department of Defence successfully connected F-35 simulators at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal—over 2,800 km apart—creating the longest overland link of its kind. This milestone establishes a new benchmark in virtual defence training and highlights Australia’s leadership in leveraging advanced simulation technologies.

“With distributed mission training, we’re not just connecting simulators – we’re connecting pilots and strengthening operations for 21st century security,” stated Raashi Quattlebaum, Vice President of F-35 Training and Logistics at Lockheed Martin. “By training together in a virtual environment, F-35 pilots can build the skills and confidence they need to dominate the skies and execute their missions.”

The DMT capability allows pilots at different locations to engage in immersive, large-force virtual missions, honing tactics, decision-making and joint force coordination without putting physical airframes into the sky. This significantly reduces aircraft wear, cuts sustainment costs, and allows for multiple training repetitions within a single session.

“Establishing a distributed mission training network between 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 Joint Strike Fighter fleet outside of the US,” said Rob Weitzman, Lockheed Martin Program Director for F-35 Australia.

Lockheed Martin, as the lead sustainment partner for the RAAF’s F-35 program, continues to work closely with Australian industry leaders such as Milskil to deliver cutting-edge pilot training solutions. More than 75 Australian companies have secured contracts worth over AUD$5 billion as part of the global F-35 program, supporting advanced manufacturing, supply chain optimisation, and long-term sustainment.

The F-35 full mission simulator replicates aircraft hardware and software with pinpoint accuracy, offering a seamless transition from virtual training to live operational environments. To date, over 2,915 F-35 pilots and 18,105 maintainers have been trained across 30 global bases, with Australia now playing a pivotal role in the program’s international expansion.

With the successful link between Williamtown and Tindal, Australia not only strengthens its own air combat capability but also reinforces the collective readiness of allied air forces participating in the fifth-generation F-35 ecosystem.