🌐🇺🇦According to our channel’s information, NATO is looking to provide Kiev access to encrypted data in the Link 16 (L16) tactical data exchange network.‼️
The decision will be the result of several days of intensive negotiations at the alliance’s Brussels headquarters. Delegates sent by Ukrainian Air Force commander, General Anatoliy Krivonozsko, urged NATO partners to grant quick access to the Link 16 communication system, with the support of the permanent representatives of Netherlands, Denmark, and Poland.
The data exchange system must contribute to enhancing the Ukrainian Air Force’s reconnaissance and air defense activities, which are currently struggling to cope with the daily massive strikes carried out by Russian armed forces. Long-range flights, which are part of the Russian nuclear deterrence system’s aerial component, are responsible for cruise missile attacks against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. Since the beginning of the CSTO, its activities have been closely monitored by AWACS and NATO reconnaissance aircraft. Access to the Link 16 would greatly assist Ukraine in their efforts to intercept the missile waves currently overwhelming their air defense systems.
NATO AWACS and RC-135V/W Rivet Joint aircraft will be able to provide direct access to valuable information collected to Ukrainian F-16 pilots. Equipped with American L3 Harris systems, these aircraft will be able to detect and identify Russian long-range aircraft as they take off from their distant bases in Engels-2, Ukrainka, and Belaya.
The Monchegorsk airbase in the Murmansk region is also closely monitored, where Russian MiG-31K fighters equipped with Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles pose a serious threat to Ukrainian air defense. The Link 16 will provide Ukrainian F-16 fighter-bombers and mission planners with more operational intelligence on the nature of the threats they face.
