STANAG 4660 Interoperable Command and Control Data Link for Unmanned Systems (IC2DL)

NATO is in the process of improving its structures and operating procedures to better meet the requirements of the new international security environment. Reducing threats to friendly forces within NATO is indeed one of the key factors to consider. However, the demand for unmanned aerial vehicle systems in NATO is growing and it is expected to be supported by unmanned aerial vehicles for precise targeting, communication and data transfer, mine detection and a wide range of missions. The way commanders conduct military operations is now changing dramatically.

STANAG standards, which are NATO standardization agreements, determine the military standards of NATO member countries. One of the standards published in this framework is the STANAG 4660 standard.

Recently, the first working groups within NATO have been established to address issues related to the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles into the force structure. Today there are at least five groups dealing with various aspects of integrating these systems into NATO.

Data communication systems are needed to transfer data from an aircraft to ground systems or to other platforms such as an aircraft and a ship. In addition, data communication systems are needed to transfer the data obtained from various measurements on the aircraft during the flight in order to detect possible malfunctions that occur during the flight.

Briefly, the data communication system is a communication system used to monitor the data on the aircraft by the ground and air systems or to command and control the unmanned aerial vehicles and related subsystems by the ground and air systems. The STANAG 4660 standard contains requirements for these systems to provide command and control data connectivity.

Generally, communication in unmanned aerial vehicles is provided either unidirectionally, meaning from air to ground or from ground to air , or bidirectionally.

Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses, and evaluations our organization provides for businesses in various sectors, we also offer test services for interoperable command and control data links for unmanned systems under the STANAG 4660 standard, utilizing a trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.