Lockheed Martin has introduced a new initiative aimed at testing and validating artificial intelligence systems designed for defense applications. Branded as “AI Fight Club,” the program offers a simulation-based competitive environment where AI models will be assessed on their performance in complex, multi-domain military scenarios.
The initiative is structured to align with the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) technical standards, allowing AI developers from across the defense industry to evaluate their systems in virtual environments that mimic real-world challenges in air, land, maritime, and space operations.
According to Lockheed Martin, the AI Fight Club is being developed as a proving ground where teams from various companies will compete in scenario-based trials. The synthetic environment is intended to replicate operational complexity and evaluate the resilience, reliability, and decision-making capabilities of each AI system.
The planned competitions will cover scenarios including airborne missions in contested airspace, homeland defense layers, coastal defense operations, and space-based reconnaissance. Submissions will be scored based on performance criteria determined in consultation with government representatives and defense experts.
John Clark, Senior Vice President for Technology and Strategic Innovation at Lockheed Martin, said the effort aims to identify effective AI solutions capable of supporting national defense priorities. The company intends for insights gained during the program to help guide future AI development and improve operational outcomes for U.S. and allied forces.
Lockheed Martin expects to complete development of the simulation platform by the end of the third quarter of 2025. The first round of AI Fight Club competitions is planned for the final quarter of the year.
Participating teams will also have the opportunity to publish their findings, share results, and present research, contributing to a broader understanding of the role AI can play in future military operations.
Interested parties are invited to learn more through Lockheed Martin’s official channels ahead of the program’s launch.