Interoperability

NATO interoperability is the ability of allied forces to share data, communicate, and operate together using agreed technical standards and protocols — without requiring custom bilateral adapters for every pair of systems. In software, it means implementing the correct STANAGs, data formats (ADatP-34, CoT), and service interfaces so that a system from one nation's armed forces can exchange information with systems from another.

STANAGs (Standardization Agreements) are NATO technical standards that define how allied systems must communicate. Relevant STANAGs for defense software include STANAG 4559 (imagery and geospatial), STANAG 4586 (unmanned aircraft system interoperability), STANAG 4607 (ground moving target indication), STANAG 4774/4778 (security classification labeling), and STANAG 2019 (operational logistics). Each STANAG specifies the message format, transport protocol, and conformance requirements.

FMN is NATO's framework for connecting mission participants — nations, agencies, and partners — into a common federated network for a specific operation. FMN is organized into Spirals (currently Spiral 4) that define the minimum technical baseline a participating system must meet: service profiles, security policies, and data exchange formats. Software vendors targeting NATO deployments must align their architecture to the current FMN Spiral.

Delta is Ukraine's primary battlefield management and situational awareness platform, developed under the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence's Brave1 defense-tech ecosystem. It aggregates real-time intelligence from infantry, drones, artillery, and electronic warfare units into a common operational picture. Corvus Intelligence, as a Brave1 accredited member, works directly with Delta's integration requirements.

ADatP-34 (Allied Data Publication 34) defines the canonical data model and message formats for NATO command and control information exchange — covering tracks, tactical graphics, overlays, and operational reports. Software that ingests or produces ADatP-34 messages can interoperate with any NATO C2 system that implements the same profile. It is the foundational data standard under FMN.

Cursor on Target is a lightweight XML message format for exchanging real-time position, status, and event data between tactical systems — most commonly used by ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit) and compatible C2 platforms. A CoT message encodes an entity's UID, position (lat/lon/altitude), time, and type in a standardized schema that any CoT-aware system can parse and display on a common operational picture.

STANAG 4559 defines the interface standard for accessing imagery and geospatial intelligence products from imagery exploitation systems and sensors within NATO. Software systems that consume or produce satellite imagery, UAV reconnaissance imagery, or GEOINT products must implement STANAG 4559 to interoperate with allied exploitation and C2 platforms. It specifies the service interface, metadata schema, and product formats.

CWIX (Coalition Warrior Interoperability eXploration, eXperimentation, eXamination, eXercise) is NATO's annual interoperability testing event where defense software vendors and allied nations test their systems against NATO standards in a controlled environment. Participation involves pre-CWIX preparation (12-18 months of standards alignment), formal test execution, and issuance of interoperability conformance records that support accreditation.

MIP4-IES (Information Exchange Standard, 4th edition) is the ground forces interoperability standard developed by the Multilateral Interoperability Programme — a coalition of 27 nations. It defines the data model and exchange mechanisms for sharing tactical ground force pictures between allied C2 systems. Software that implements MIP4-IES can exchange unit positions, task organization, and operational graphics with all MIP member nation systems.

Corvus Intelligence implements NATO interoperability through direct standards compliance (STANAGs, ADatP-34, FMN Spiral profiles), participation in CWIX conformance testing, and operational experience deploying interoperable C2 systems with Ukrainian and NATO-aligned forces. As a Brave1 accredited company, we receive combat-generated interoperability requirements from active operational use — not only from standards documents.