Ukraine’s F-16s, Mirages to plug into NATO’s real-time combat network
Photo: Ukraine has connected its aircraft to NATO's digital system (Getty Images)
Ukraine is connecting to NATO’s aviation system, enabling its Air Force aircraft to coordinate with allies via a digital interface, according to Deputy Minister of Defense for Digital Development Kateryna Chernohorenko on Facebook.
Ukraine has signed a licensing agreement to use NATO’s software — the CRC System Interface (CSI).
This step will allow the Ukrainian Air Force to operate within a unified digital system alongside Alliance air forces.
CSI is part of NATO’s battle management system that operates through the Link 16 protocol, commonly referred to as the Alliance’s military Wi-Fi.
This protocol enables real-time data exchange between aircraft (including F-16 and Mirage 2000 jets), air defense and missile defense systems (such as Patriot), and other components of the defense network.
The agreement was made possible through joint efforts by the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, the Air Force, and international partners.
The software is used by nearly all NATO member states, making its integration a key step toward full interoperability between Ukrainian forces and allied militaries.
"We’re not just dreaming of joint operations with our allies — we’re making them a reality," Chernohorenko wrote.
As a reminder, the Czech company LPP Holding recently developed unique AI-guided drones that are resistant to enemy jamming.
Hundreds of these drones have already been delivered to Ukraine and are being used in combat. The operator simply uploads the mission target, and the drone’s AI navigates independently by visually comparing the real environment to map data.
