In a major step forward for military coordination, US defence contractor Lockheed Martin has confirmed that one of its F-35 stealth fighter jets successfully sent classified data from Texas to Denmark, covering nearly 5,000 miles in a real-time operation. The test is being hailed as a significant milestone in military communication and joint-force capability.
This successful trial highlights how modern fighter jets like the F-35 are not only powerful in combat but also act as vital command centers in the sky, helping to gather and share critical information with allies across long distances.
How Was the Data Sent?
The F-35 involved in the demonstration was operated by Danish Air Force personnel and flew out of Fort Worth, Texas. It used a secure system called DAGGR-2, developed by Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development Programs, also known as Skunk Works.
Using commercial satellite communications, the stealth fighter was able to transfer classified data directly to a command center at Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark. This proves that highly sensitive military information can be securely transmitted in real-time across continents.
Why This Demonstration Matters
According to Lockheed Martin, this test is part of a broader push for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO)—a concept where air, land, sea, space, and cyber systems are integrated to share data and operate together seamlessly.
In simple terms, it means that a fighter jet like the F-35 can act as a “team leader in the sky”, coordinating with other units such as ground forces, naval ships, and airbases to enhance mission success without always using weapons.
Lockheed’s statement called the test “another success” in demonstrating how systems across the battlespace can be connected and made stronger using the F-35’s unique capabilities.
What Denmark Said About It
Major General Jan Dam, Chief of the Royal Danish Air Force, said this test was a “significant milestone” in improving Denmark’s defence capabilities. He praised the F-35’s ability to collect, analyse, and share data across wide geographic areas in real-time, something that is crucial in modern-day defence planning.
Denmark is one of the original eight partner countries involved in the F-35 development program and continues to play a key role in its operational success.
F-35: More Than Just a Fighter Jet
The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter, widely regarded as a core element of US air power. Its real strength lies not just in its weapons, but in its advanced sensors and networking systems, which allow it to:
- Penetrate enemy airspace undetected
- Gather and share battlefield information
- Act as a mission “quarterback”—guiding other units without firing a shot
To date, more than 1,200 F-35 aircraft have been delivered to over 20 countries, including the United States.
Other Recent Successes with Denmark
This isn’t the first time the F-35 has shown off its data-sharing skills. In April 2025, during the NATO exercise “Ramstein Flag”, a Danish F-35 shared sensitive data with Leeuwarden Air Base, which was then passed on to a rocket artillery system to help execute a precise strike.
OJ Sanchez, Vice President of Skunk Works, said this kind of collaboration shows how the company is able to deploy real-world capabilities quickly and prove their success through live missions.
Different F-35 Variants and Global Use
The US military uses all three types of the F-35:
- F-35A for standard take-offs and landings
- F-35B for short take-off and vertical landing
- F-35C for carrier-based operations on naval ships
The Danish Air Force operates the F-35A, designed for traditional runways and is the most widely used version of the aircraft worldwide.