Ukrainian and NATO aircraft to coordinate via shared digital command system
Ukraine has signed a licensing agreement to use NATO's non-commercial software — the Control and Reporting Center System Interface (CSI). This software is a critical element in NATO’s combat command system based on the Link-16 data exchange protocol, often referred to as the alliance’s “military Wi-Fi.”
Thanks to the joint efforts of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the General Staff, the Air Force Command, and international partners, this integration will enable Ukraine to conduct joint operations with NATO more effectively. Deputy Defense Minister Kateryna Chernohorenko announced the agreement via social media.
The CSI system is already in use by the majority of NATO countries and is designed to coordinate aircraft such as the F-16 and Mirage 2000, as well as air and missile defense systems like Patriot — all of which are part of international military aid to Ukraine.
By adopting CSI, Ukraine ensures full digital interoperability with its NATO allies. This step turns the vision of integrated operations into a practical reality, allowing Ukrainian and allied forces to coordinate actions in real time using a unified command and control framework.
