Airbus Integrates German and Swedish Air Defence Systems into Unified NATO Network
Airbus Defence and Space has successfully integrated German and Swedish air defence systems into a unified command and control network for the first time during NATO’s SPARTAN ARROW 26 exercise in Crete, Greece.
As part of the exercise, the German Air Force’s IRIS-T SLM and the Swedish Air Force’s Patriot air defence systems were connected to the Airbus-developed SAMOC command and control centre. This integration enabled different air defence systems to operate in real time and in coordination against drones and cruise missiles.
During the exercise, the IRIS-T SLM system, operated by German personnel, conducted its first live firing with real missiles, while the Swedish Air Force completed its first independent Patriot live-fire exercise. Additionally, the German Army’s LeFlaSys short-range air defence system was integrated into the network, creating a multi-layered air defence structure covering short, medium and long ranges.
Airbus stated that the performance data collected during the exercise will contribute to the further development of NATO’s networked command and control capabilities.
