Ukraine integrates NATO command and control system into combat aviation

Ukraine’s combat aviation will receive command and control systems for better interaction between individual aircraft and air defense systems.

The signing of a license agreement for the use of non-commercial CRC (CSI) software was announced by Kateryna Chornohorenko, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine for Digital Development. The aircraft will be equipped with the CRC System Interface, which will enable coordination and control between Ukrainian combat aircraft as well as between Ukrainian and NATO aircraft.

CRC is NATO’s most comprehensive data channel buffer, supporting real-time information exchange between different command and control elements.

In addition to information exchange between aircraft, data transmission is also possible between naval vessels, NATO long-range radar detection aircraft (NAEW), headquarters, and aviation directly.

Standardized NATO data transmission channels are used to implement a large-scale environment, including ATDL1, Link 1, Link 11A, Link 11B, and Link 16.

On the ways to modernize Ukrainian F-16s — read the article by Militarnyi.

Another important element of the system is the ability to target and transmit data about targets to aircraft, both within the aviation unit and to combat aircraft from other units, which significantly increases operational efficiency, particularly when intercepting cruise missiles.

“Control using the Link 16 data transfer protocol — NATO’s ‘military Wi-Fi’ — provides control of aircraft (F-16, Mirage 2000) and integrated air and missile defense systems (Patriot), provided as part of international military assistance,” Chernohorenko clarified.

Additional CSI functionalities include:

• Data transmission and relay via numerous national and NATO communication channels.
• Real-time formation of a common operational picture (COP) covering air, surface, and ground targets, supplemented with intelligence information obtained from communication channels.
• Air defense force management (GBAD) via various data transmission channels, including Link 16.
• Ability to control interceptors via Link 16.
• Connection to surface assets via Link 11A.

It should be noted that the integration of this system on F-16 fighters will significantly enhance their combat capabilities. At the same time, the fighter platform’s potential will allow the aircraft to be upgraded to a higher standard in the future.

On the ways to modernize Ukrainian F-16s — read the article by Militarnyi.

This creates opportunities for the installation of a modern radar station, new communication systems, warning systems, and other equipment.

In addition, even before the transfer of the fighters, in 2023, it was assumed that the F-16 fighters, which at that time could have only been transferred to Ukraine, may undergo modernization, but no details had been provided at the time.