Collaboration Between F-35 Fighter Jet and Elbit’s Rocket Artillery System
According to a report by the Dutch Ministry of Defense, an F-35 fighter jet identified a ground target and transmitted the information to the rocket artillery system
Photo: Elbit Systems
The U.S. Air Force recently achieved a significant milestone by demonstrating real-time battle data sharing between aircraft and ground systems. A test conducted in Europe showcased enhanced strike capabilities through the integration of an F-35 fighter jet and an advanced rocket artillery system.
According to a report from the Dutch Ministry of Defense, an F-35 aircraft identified a ground target and transmitted the data to the “Keystone” system. This system automatically relayed the information to a military unit, which then launched a missile at the target using the PULS (Precision Urban Launcher System). The entire process—from target detection to missile launch—took only a few minutes.
The test was carried out in cooperation between the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin (the manufacturer of the F-35), and the research organization TNO. This marks the first time such integration has been conducted in Europe with an F-35.
The “Keystone” system has been in use by the U.S. Air Force since last year. The program demonstrates how concrete results can be achieved rapidly through an innovative operational concept.
Collaboration between military and civilian entities played a key role in the test’s success. The successful trial highlights the potential of integrating advanced technologies to enhance strike and response capabilities on the modern battlefield. The combination of the fighter jet’s advanced sensors, real-time data management system, and ground-based weapon systems enables more precise and efficient targeting of enemy threats, while significantly reducing response time.
