Keystone

In a milestone for NATO’s multi-domain operations in Europe, the Royal Netherlands Air Force has successfully conducted a real-time combat data exchange between F-35 fighter jets and the Dutch Army’s Keystone command system. The breakthrough, achieved during NATO’s Ramstein Flag exercise, marks the first time this level of integration involving F-35 aircraft has been demonstrated in Europe. According to the Dutch Ministry of Defense, an F-35 located and identified a ground target and instantly relayed the data to the Keystone system. Keystone then transmitted the target information to a land forces unit, which engaged and neutralized the target using the PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) rocket artillery platform. The process—from initial detection to missile launch—was completed in a matter of minutes. In a statement, the Royal Netherlands Air Force emphasized the importance of this demonstration for future NATO interoperability, calling it “a key step in multi-domain warfare.” The exercise was carried out in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, defense contractor Lockheed Martin, and the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). “This is a clear example of how quickly operational concepts can translate into real-world capability,” the Dutch Air Force said. The F-35, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and operated by a growing number of NATO member states, continues to expand its role in integrated joint warfare environments.

Keystone

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