Dutch F-35s achieve first live combat data exchange in Europe during NATO exercise

The test of what the Dutch call multi-domain operations took place as part of the Ramstein Flag exercise. After the F-35 detected and identified a target, the fighter passed information to the Keystone system. Then, within that system, the data was passed to the ground forces, who carried out a simulated mission to combat the target using the PULS missile launcher.

Dutch F-35s achieve first live combat data exchange in Europe during NATO exercise

For the first time outside the United States, an F-35 aircraft located and identified a ground target before transmitting the information directly to the Keystone system. Keystone then automatically relayed the data to an army unit, which eliminated the target using the PULS rocket artillery system. This entire process—from target detection to missile launch—was completed within minutes. The test was carried out with support from the United Stat…