Airbus Defence and Space has linked German and Swedish air defense systems through a shared command network, testing how they can work together against drones and cruise missiles during a NATO exercise.
The integration took place during SPARTAN ARROW 26, when Germany’s IRIS-T SLM and Sweden’s Patriot air defense system were connected to Germany’s Surface-to-Air Missile Operations Centre.
The command post coordinates different weapons systems through a common digital network.
Airbus also connected the German Army’s Light Air Defence System, designed for short-range protection against threats such as drones. Together, the systems provided a layered defense covering short, medium, and long ranges, according to the company.
Data gathered during the exercise on network bandwidth, response times, and resistance to jamming will inform further development of NATO’s command-and-control capabilities.
“Effective air defense today is the result of a seamlessly integrated overall capability, not the performance of individual products,” Andreas Reinecke, Head of Defence Digital & Cyber at Airbus Defence and Space, said.
Why Integrated Air Defense Matters
The Crete exercise fits into wider European efforts to build layered air and missile defenses that can operate across national boundaries. This comes as Russia continues to use drones and missiles extensively in its war against Ukraine.
Connecting different systems can help military commanders coordinate sensors, weapons, and units instead of managing each platform separately. A shared command network can help forces respond to different threats across several ranges.
Germany coordinates the European Sky Shield Initiative, which aims to improve European countries’ ability to defend against air and missile threats through cooperation on air defense systems.
NATO is also developing its Integrated Air and Missile Defence framework around interconnected national and alliance systems, including sensors, command-and-control assets, and weapons.