Northern Edge: F-35 Connects Dots in Alaska
July 10, 2023
A multinational mix of F-35A, F-35B and F-35C aircraft recently joined exercise Northern Edge 23-1 in Alaska. U.S. Air Force F-35As, Royal Australian Air Force F-35As, U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs, Royal Air Force F-35Bs and U.S. Navy F-35Cs all participated in the joint training exercise, led by Pacific Air Forces.
Traditionally a U.S. only event, Northern Edge 23-1 incorporated allies for the first time, including the Royal Air Force’s famed 617 'Dambusters' Squadron.
“[Exercise Northern Edge] serves as an illustration of how we can operate the fifth generation F-35 Lightning in a complex multi-domain environment seamlessly with our closest allies, improving interoperability and advancing our ability to conduct high-end war fighting,” said Royal Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Phil Robinson, Air Officer Commanding No.11 Group and UK Global Air Component Commander.
“The opportunity to employ the Lightning's full suite of capabilities and immerse pilots in highly realistic, and often extremely challenging, scenarios has proven invaluable,” added Wing Commander Stew Campbell, Officer Commanding 617 Squadron.
During the exercise, Lockheed Martin demonstrated digital command and control – to synchronize joint all-domain fires – including successful integration with F-35s to deliver timely effects in multiple domains.
“This is the largest and most complex Northern Edge exercise we’ve ever developed,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Piffarerio, director of the exercise. “We brought the best tacticians from every service to include the Guard and Reserve as well as our allies from the United Kingdom and Australia.”
F-35s also joined exercise Northern Edge 23-2, which began in early July 2023.
The F-35 continues to prove itself as the most advanced node in a 21st Century Security environment. Northern Edge demonstrated the ability to reliably perform command and control across all the services, all levels of operation and across multiple domains, thereby improving interoperability and advancing integrated deterrence.
