The Pentagon is planning to add Starshield-based beyond-line-of-sight communications to the F-35 modernisation roadmap, with initial fielding targeted for September 2031. The upgrade would let the fighter pass track data over satellite links, extending sensor-sharing and targeting support beyond conventional radio range across the F-35 fleet.
The capability appears in the FY2027 F-35 Modernised Selected Acquisition Report as part of Block 4, and the aircraft variant is not specified. The report places the first phase, BLOS Phase 0, in the development category and describes it as operating in Ku and Ka bands.
An earlier beyond-line-of-sight communications function is scheduled for September 2026 and is separate from the Starshield-enabled upgrade. The roadmap also points to BLOS Phase 1b in September 2031, which would add two-way video, followed by BLOS Phase 2 in September 2035 for voice communications.
The programme reflects a push to improve the F-35’s role in long-range kill chains by allowing the jet to share track data across greater distances. SpaceX’s Starshield network is identified as the satellite communications layer for the planned capability.