In a groundbreaking development for U.S. military aviation, Marine Corps F-35 and Air Force F-22 pilots recently teamed up for the first time in a joint digital training simulation.

This exercise, conducted at the Navy’s state-of-the-art Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) in Patuxent River, Maryland, marks a significant step toward unified combat readiness across service branches.

According to a release from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), the training occurred from March 24 to March 27 and is poised to set a new standard for interservice fighter integration.

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The event brought together Marine aviators from Fighter Attack Squadrons 122, 225, and 311 and four Air Force F-22 Raptor crews.

Over the course of four days, these elite pilots engaged in 17 advanced warfighting simulations designed to mirror real-world combat scenarios involving fifth-generation aircraft.

Rear Adm. John Dougherty IV, commander of NAWCAD, emphasized the importance of the exercise in a statement.

“This milestone is a game-changer that ushers in a new era of interoperability for aviation’s combat community and served as a pivotal exercise getting NAWCAD ready to make this joint training standard for Navy and Air Force fighters,” Dougherty said.

Each mission within the simulation was carefully designed to challenge the pilots in scenarios replicating high-end threats.

The JSE’s immersive environment—featuring domed simulators equipped with actual defense systems, cutting-edge software, and simulated adversary aircraft—allowed pilots to practice mission planning, coordination, and tactical execution in an environment that closely mimics modern battlefields.

One of the key components of the exercise was the detailed post-mission evaluation.

Pilots reviewed cockpit video and audio recordings to analyze their performance, assess decision-making, and identify ways to refine their tactics.

These debriefs provided immediate feedback, enabling participants to apply lessons learned in real time over the course of the exercise.

The Joint Simulation Environment is a cornerstone of the Navy’s advanced aviation training infrastructure and is already integrated with the elite TOPGUN program. But the Navy isn’t stopping there.

NAWCAD officials say that the Defense Department is looking to expand JSE access and capabilities across more platforms and programs in the near future.

Coming upgrades to the JSE will include integration of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, a critical airborne early warning and surveillance aircraft.

The Hawkeye’s role in providing over-the-horizon detection of missile and aircraft threats and conducting ground and maritime surveillance is expected to significantly enhance joint force coordination and threat response strategies.

Looking ahead to 2026, the JSE plans to incorporate two additional aircraft platforms—the F/A-18 Super Hornet and the EA-18G Growler.

These aircraft are vital to the Navy’s strike and electronic warfare missions, respectively, and their inclusion in the simulation environment will bring an even more comprehensive training capability to U.S. forces.

Maj. Patrick Kaufer, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 (VMFA-225), underscored the true value of the exercise.

“At the end of the day, it’s going to be the people that win our nation’s wars,” Kaufer said. “Having those person-to-person connections between the Air Force, the Navy and the Marine Corps [in the JSE] is the most important part and biggest objective that we’re able to achieve.”

The emphasis on relationship-building and human connection may be what sets this initiative apart. In a world where advanced technology continues to shape modern warfare, the Department of Defense is reminding the force that no amount of digital prowess replaces trust, teamwork, and real-world cohesion between service members.

As the JSE expands and becomes a more permanent fixture in joint aviation training, military officials anticipate increased cooperation among the branches and a stronger, more agile combat force.

With exercises like this pioneering effort between Marine and Air Force aviators, the future of integrated air combat looks sharper and more unified than ever.

In summary, this first-of-its-kind exercise signals a shift toward deeper interservice collaboration, enhanced pilot readiness, and a common focus on winning future conflicts through collective strength.

The Joint Simulation Environment isn’t just about technology—it’s about building a warfighting community that can think, train, and fight as one.