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The US Navy is utilizing a digitally simulated F-35 Lightning II at the Naval Air Warfare Center in Maryland to develop new tactics for combat drones. The Joint Simulation Environment allows pilots to conduct numerous realistic sorties, enhancing training.

The Navy emphasizes multi-role capabilities for drones, integrating them into military operations to avoid tactical setbacks due to the high costs of manned aircraft. The F-35 serves as a Command and Control node, processing data in real time for drone operations, which will function autonomously under pilot command. This approach aims to maximize efficiency while maintaining stealth and minimizing risk to carriers.