Defence Online

Lockheed Martin successfully integrated digital command and control (C2) capabilities with the first version of the Department of Defense’s Joint Fires Network during the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s (INDOPACOM) Valiant Shield exercise. Valiant Shield marks the first test of the initial Joint Fires Network prototype.  

The Big Picture

The Joint Fires Network (JFN) demonstration integrated technologies with third-party capabilities as part of an enterprise architecture. With JFN, geographically dispersed commanders are able to simultaneously plan and execute with a shared common understanding of the battlespace, fed by sensors from any platform, which can provide targeting guidance to any weapon systems.

Lockheed Martin Role in VS24:

Live, Theater-level Operational Planning: The exercise showcased the seamless integration of Lockheed Martin’s advanced command and control functions, employing Operational Planning to coordinate real-time decision-making across the theater of operations, with all the Services and operational domains. This approach enhanced the agility and responsiveness of joint operations, using live real-time data, and producing joint tasking orders in an operationally relevant environment. ​ 

Strategic Perspectives

“By seamlessly integrating advanced C2 planning capability, we are enhancing critical warfighter workflows and decision-making. This focus ensures our Service members are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in complex, real-world scenarios, paving the way for faster, more effective mission integration.” – Erika Marshall, C4ISR vice president at Lockheed Martin

Dive Deeper

• Valiant Shield is a biennial training activity involving thousands of U.S. military personnel and more than 200 ships, aircraft and ground vehicles with a focus on integrating forces in multiple domains, and is a cornerstone of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s integrated deterrence strategy to prevent conflict in the region. JFN is INDOPACOM’s vision to demonstrate near-term decision superiority capabilities to enhance joint fires planning and execution.
• The digital C2 system integrates Lockheed Martin’s proven, fielded multi-domain battle management, command and control (BMC2) software with technologies from across the industry.
• Improvements were made to the C2 Planning Software, streamlining operator workflows by making machine interactions intuitive, enabling real-time monitoring, and facilitating seamless integration with other technologies.
• Lockheed Martin participated in a series of immersive operator training sessions on the C2 planning system ahead of the demonstration using a high-fidelity mission simulator to give operators hands-on practice in a secure, operational-like setting.
• Valiant Shield 2024 represents the seventh exercise in which Lockheed Martin has partnered with INDOPACOM to improve interoperability and advance integrated deterrence.

What’s Next?

Lockheed Martin will continue to partner with the Joint Services on upcoming demonstrations and exercises throughout the Indo-Pacific and beyond to bring Lockheed Martin’s 21st Century Security® technologies to our servicemembers quickly. We are committed to advancing CJADC2 capabilities and delivering game-changing, innovative technology for the Joint Force.

Photo by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Benvie

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