The American fighter jet successfully used DAGGR-2 to share classified data in real-time with Denmark, showcasing multi-domain operations through Lockheed Martin’s Open Systems Gateway technology.
On Monday, aerospace giant Lockheed Martin announced that its Advanced Development Programs division, more commonly known as the “Skunk Works,” has achieved another significant milestone with the F-35 Lightning II. The company, working with the Danish Ministry of Defense (MOD), “completed a successful live F-35 interoperability demonstration,” the latest “success in a series of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) demonstrations” involving the fifth-generation stealth fighter.
Danish Air Force Lightning II’s took part in a test flight from Lockheed Martin’s facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, and successfully shared “classified data via DAGGR-2,” an Open Systems Gateway (OSG).
“[The demonstration proved] the F-35’s ability to serve as a powerful force multiplier, enabling allied forces to deploy ready-now capabilities to connect systems across the battlespace rapidly,” the company explained.
“This marked a significant milestone toward enhancing Denmark’s capabilities, as it enabled our MDO staff to witness in real-time the potential of the F-35’s ability to collect, analyse and share advanced data across geographically dispersed networks,” said Danish Air Chief, Maj. Gen. Jan Dam.
“Our close collaboration with Skunk Works has been instrumental in accelerating the rapid deployment of such capabilities, and we’re very pleased with the results.”
What Is DAGGR-2?
The DAGGR-2 OSG was developed as part of a partnership between Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works and the United States military’s Missile Defense Agency (MDA). It enabled data sharing between the F-35s to be transmitted via commercial satellite communications, and then “displayed at Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark,” the company added.
“This collaboration with the Danish MOD enabled us to do what we do best at Skunk Works, rapidly deploy ready-now capabilities at a pace unparalleled in the industry and prove it through real-world flights,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.
“This demonstration builds on our successful track record of collaboration with international partners. It defines what truly sets us apart: our commitment to Open Systems Architecture, which enables seamless integration across any platform, sensor, or shooter regardless of the manufacturer.”
Denmark Receives New F-35 Fighter Jets with DAGGR-2
The testing of DAGGR-2 concluded as Denmark also received four additional F-35 aircraft. Over half of the NATO members’ contracted fifth-generation stealth fighters operate from Danish soil. Four F-35s arrived at Skrydstrup Air Base last Thursday, making the flight from Fort Worth to Denmark via the Azores.
“With the arrival of the four aircraft yesterday, we have taken another step on the path to building the combat power of the F-35 aircraft,” said Major General Jan Dam, commander of the Danish Air Command.
Denmark’s program of record for the F-35s has been running behind schedule, delayed by Lockheed Martin’s struggle to complete the Technology Refresh 3. That resulted in the United States Department of Defense (DoD) halting deliveries in 2023, and after a truncated version of the software/hardware upgrade was released last year, those deliveries resumed.
According to the Danish MoD, there are currently fifteen F-35A models, the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, in Denmark. An additional six Lightning IIs remain in the United States for training and testing, including in the recent DAGGR-2 program.
The final six of a planned twenty-seven are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2026.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a thirty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
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