Lockheed Martin’s CEO Jim Taiclet is stirring debate in the defense world with bold remarks about the next phase of the F-35 fighter jet. Taiclet’s statements have sparked curiosity about what the future of American air power could look like—and who, or what, will be flying it. Yet, behind the headlines, the story is as much about military innovation as it is about the politics and priorities of keeping America strong.

According to Interesting Engineering, Lockheed Martin is planning significant upgrades for the F-35, including a “pilot optional” capability that could allow the aircraft to operate without a human in the cockpit. These advances come as the company works to integrate technologies originally developed for the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program—which Lockheed lost to Boeing.

F-35 jets already boast some autonomous features, but the company’s plans go much further. The F-35’s “fifth-generation plus” upgrade promises new stealth coatings, enhanced electronic warfare systems, and radar advances. These features, Lockheed claims, will deliver most of the capabilities of a much pricier sixth-generation jet at a fraction of the cost.

Lockheed’s push for next-gen dominance

Lockheed Martin’s renewed focus on the F-35 follows its defeat in the NGAD competition. While Boeing won that contract, Taiclet maintains that the F-35 can offer “almost 80%” of the capabilities of a sixth-generation fighter for less money. In his words, “Within two to three years, we could have a meaningful increase of capability for the F-35 by porting some of these technologies over.”

The company is eyeing more than just hardware. Lockheed’s vision includes potentially transforming the F-35 into a platform that can be flown with or without a pilot, depending on the mission. This shift could revolutionize air combat, changing how the military thinks about risk, personnel, and strategy.

Critics, however, are quick to point out that big promises do not always become reality overnight. Even Taiclet acknowledges, “upgrades will take time to reach into production stages as all kinds of new equipment and software upgrades can’t be introduced at once.” Rolling out these features, he said, will be a gradual process to ensure quality and reliability.

Debates over automation and control

Taiclet’s remarks have reignited debate about the role of automation in military aviation. Supporters of pilot-optional technology argue it could save lives, increase mission flexibility, and allow the U.S. to maintain an edge over adversaries. They point to the F-35’s ability to process and share vast amounts of data as a “force multiplier”—a phrase Lockheed proudly uses to describe the jet’s ability to integrate air, land, sea, space, and cyber operations.

However, skeptics warn that relying too heavily on automation could create new vulnerabilities. Some military analysts question whether software-driven jets can respond as quickly or creatively as human pilots in complex, high-stress situations. They also warn that increasing reliance on autonomous systems could expose aircraft to cyber threats or technological glitches.

Despite these concerns, Lockheed insists that any new features will be implemented carefully. The company’s gradual approach is meant to ensure any pilot-optional mode is thoroughly tested before being fielded on a large scale.

F-35’s evolving capabilities spark reactions

Lockheed Martin’s claim that the F-35 can deliver “80 percent of sixth-gen capability at half of the cost” has drawn attention from allies and critics alike. Supporters say this approach is a cost-effective way to keep America’s military ahead of the curve, especially as threats from China, Russia, and other rivals grow.

The manufacturer describes the F-35 as “the quarterback of the skies,” highlighting its role in integrating multi-domain operations and ensuring mission success. Lockheed says the jet’s unmatched ability to gather, process, and share data keeps pilots ahead of emerging threats and helps them return home safely.

Changes to the aircraft’s structure may also be on the horizon. Taiclet mentioned, “There have been some adjustments or learnings, I’ll say, on what we call the outer mold line, which is the actual shape of the aircraft itself, especially with regard to engine inlets and outflows of nozzles, that we might be able to again improve on the F 35 without redesigning it.”

Taiclet explained, “There have been some adjustments or learnings, I’ll say, on what we call the outer mold line, which is the actual shape of the aircraft itself, especially with regard to engine inlets and outflows of nozzles, that we might be able to again improve on the F 35 without redesigning it.”

Gradual rollout and future uncertainties

Lockheed Martin is clear: major upgrades will not arrive overnight. Introducing advanced systems, new stealth coatings, and cutting-edge software requires careful testing and a phased rollout. As reported by defense sources, the goal is to maintain quality and reliability across a large-scale production line.

Officials have not publicly committed to a fully autonomous F-35, but the company’s demonstration of semi-autonomous flight in 2023—when an F-35 flew for 11 minutes after its pilot ejected—shows the technology is progressing. Still, the leap from partial autonomy to pilot-optional operations is significant.