U.S. Navy F-35 pilots have completed a tactical demonstration focused on integrating crewed fighters with the U.S. Navy’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft inside the Joint Simulation Environment.
The event was conducted by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division at Patuxent River and used the Joint Simulation Environment to explore how fifth-generation aircraft could operate alongside uncrewed combat systems. NAWCAD states that the demonstration relied on high-fidelity modeling and simulation to refine tactics and operational approaches without the constraints of live flying.
During the activity, F-35 pilots controlled multiple Collaborative Combat Aircraft using tablet-based interfaces while flying simulated missions. According to NAWCAD, the scenario included the use of advanced communications and precision-guided weapons to engage complex threats within a virtual battlespace designed to replicate realistic combat conditions.
Commenting on the demonstration, NAWCAD Commander Rear Adm. Todd Evans said:
“Modern warfare is demanding more from our aviators. This milestone shows the Joint Simulation Environment’s impact on equipping them with the advanced tactics they need to win future battles.”
The Joint Simulation Environment is described by the U.S. Navy as a digital test and training range combining cockpit simulators, software models, and immersive visual displays. NAWCAD states that the system allows pilots to conduct a high volume of simulated sorties in a compressed timeframe, supporting faster development of tactics and improved readiness when compared with traditional open-air ranges.
According to the Navy, Collaborative Combat Aircraft are intended to operate alongside crewed fighters in contested environments, expanding mission capacity while allowing pilots to focus on command and decision-making tasks. NAWCAD says the JSE is playing a central role in shaping how these uncrewed systems could be integrated with platforms such as the F-35. The U.S. Navy also states that the Joint Simulation Environment is continuing to expand, with plans to add platforms including the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and EA-18G Growler during fiscal year 2026. Additional JSE facilities are also under development at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nellis Air Force Base, and Edwards Air Force Base to support wider test and training activities.
“American F35 pilots controlled multiple CCA’s using Tablet-based interfaces”
That’s nothing new, we have the odd “American” Keyboard Warrior turn up on here most nights 😁😁😁😁😁
“Yee Haaaa, great balls of fire”
“I’m switching to guns, I’m taking the shot”
“You should never leave your (loyal) wingman”.
“I crack myself up”
It still seems strange to me how badly the USN treats the F35C.
The F35C is clearly the most capable carrier aircraft on the planet and still far ahead of even anything under development. However the navy has bought very few and even today most of its aircraft carriers can’t deploy it. The USN seems so hung up on getting funding for FA XX while all but ignoring the 5th gen fighter it could be buying today.
I don’t think the USN has learned anything from the constellation debacle and the pantomime in the North Atlantic yesterday that saw a coast guard cutter follow a tanker for nearly two weeks at 9 knots before a group of army delta force personnel have to fly across the Atlantic to then Lilly pad on a RFA tanker to reach the coast guard cutter and capture a tanker shows just what a state the USN is in.
Not that we are doing any better but we not the ones that are suppose to be a super power capable of inflicting our will on anyone in the western hemisphere (The North Atlantic south of Iceland being very much inside the western hemisphere)
Jim, Is this anything to do with range, as in doesn’t the USN now consider range to be a pressing factor when It comes to Carrier Ops ? Am I right in thinking they lost that capability when F14’s went ?F18’s seem to lack this and I see the figures for the various F35 models and I also see the shift towards bigger, longer ranged aircraft such as “Trumpest”, Tempest and various other Gen 5/6 aircraft from other countries.
Yes but they are only highlighting a 20% range boost for FA XX.
Personally I would be delighted to have an entire air wing of F35C. If range is an issue then get the drop tanks and stealthy tankers into service.
The USN has around 110 F35c, and the USMC has something like 175 F-35Bs and 50 F-35Cs. Not too bad given the various issues with the program. But USN has stated F-35C simply isn’t the priority for the CVW’s right now. My understanding F/A-xx, HALO/Hypersonics and MQ-25 drones are what they want today w/r/t Naval Aviation.