Directions for the development of the C4ISR system in the defense forces of Ukraine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34169/2414-0651.2025.3(47).11-18Keywords:
military-technical policy, weapons and military equipment, technologies, trends, artificial intelligence, C4ISRAbstract
The article analyzes the impact of the full-scale war in Ukraine on the transformation of the C4ISR system (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) in the Defense Forces of Ukraine. The main challenges facing the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the field of integration of technologies, digital combat networks, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems are revealed.
Based on the experience of combat operations and analytical assessments of experts from STO NATO, Atlantic Council, RAND Corporation, the impact of key scientific and technological trends in 2023–2043 on the development of C4ISR is determined, including the mass use of unmanned systems, the introduction of artificial intelligence elements, big data processing, the creation of digital networks resistant to electronic warfare and cyberattacks.
The directions of integration of the command and intelligence systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine into the NATO ecosystem are outlined, and the prospects for the formation of a single digital C4ISR network that meets NATO standards are determined. Practical recommendations are offered for building one's own IT infrastructure, training staff officers, scaling the use of autonomous platforms and increasing information resilience. The need to invest in the development of algorithmic solutions, cyber defense and the creation of national digital situational awareness platforms is emphasized. The conclusion is made that the experience gained by the Ukrainian defense forces and the innovations implemented are already shaping new standards for NATO partners and are the key to ensuring superiority in future wars.
Downloads
References
“Efektyvni dii ZSU na velykii viini sponukaly NATO do pokrashchennia komanduvannia i rozvidky v Aliansi” [The effective actions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Great War prompted NATO to improve command and intelligence in the Alliance]. ArmyInform. 21.03.2023. Available at: https://armyinform.com.ua/2023/03/21/efektyvni-diyi-zsu-na-velykij-vijni-sponukaly-nato-do-pokrashhennya-komanduvannya-j-rozvidky-v-alyansi.
“NATO ta “rosiiski nespodivanky”: yak viina v Ukraini zminiuie stratehiiu Aliansu” [NATO and “russian surprises”: how the war in Ukraine is changing the Alliance’s strategy]. Ukrinform. 23.01.2024. Available at: https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-world/3817085-nato-ta-rosijski-nespodivanki-ak-vijna-v-ukraini-zminue-strategiu-alansu.html.
“U Pentahoni rozpovily, yak viina v Ukraini zminiuie pidkhody do ozbroiennia v maibutnikh viinakh (za materialamy Voice of America)”. [The Pentagon explained how the war in Ukraine is changing approaches to weapons in future wars (based on materials from Voice of America)]. Radio Svoboda. 11.12.2024. Available at: https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-pentahon-viina-v-ukraini-zmina-pidhodiv/33236544.html.
Dale F. Reding, Angelo De Lucia, Álvaro Martín Blanco, Col Laura A. Regan, Daniel Bayliss. Science & Technology Trends 2023–2043. Across the Physical, Biological and Information Domains. NATO Science & Technology Organization. 2023. Available at: http:www.sto.nato.int.
“Viiskovyi zviazok perekhodyt na tsyfru”. [Military communications are going digital]. Ukrainian Radio. 16.11.2017. Available at: https://ukr.radio/news.html?newsID=64199#.
Bondar, K. (2025). How Ukraine’s War is Reshaping C4ISR for the Modern Battlefield. HCSS, (Guest Paper). Available at: https://hcss.nl/report/how-ukraines-war-is-reshaping-c4isr-for-the-modern-battlefield/#.
Gordon, B. «Skip» Davis Jr. «The Future of NATO C4ISR: Assessment and Recommendations after Madrid». Report. Atlantic Council. March 16, 2023. Available at: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/the-future-of-nato-c4isr-assessment-and-recommendations-after-madrid/.
James Black, Alice Lynch, Kristian Gustafson, David Blagden, Pauline Paillé & Fiona Quimbre. Multi‑Domain Integration in Defence (RAND Report). Defence, Security & Infrastructure RAND Europe Westbrook Centre, Milton Rd. Cambridge. UK. Jan 20, 2022. Available at: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA528-1.html.
James Black, Pauline Paille, Charlotte Kleberg, Conlan Ellis, Maxime Sommerfeld Antoniou. Russia’s War in Ukraine: Emerging Insights for UK and NATO Joint Doctrine. (RAND Report). RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, Calif. and Cambridge, UK. Nov 18, 2024. Available at: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3400-1.html.
“U Sylakh oborony vprovadiat systemu Delta” [The Defense Forces will implement the Delta system]. Zbroya.info. 04.02.2023. Available at: https://zbroya.info/uk/mobile/blog/22595_u-silakh-oboroni-vprovadiat-sistemu-delta/#.
Delta (situational awareness system). Wikipedia. 15.01.2023. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_(situational_awareness_system).
NATO’s Support of Ukraine’s C4 Capabilities. AFCEA. Dec 07, 2023. Available at: https://www.afcea.org/signal-media/defense-operations/natos-support-ukraines-c4-capabilities#:~:text=NATO%27s%20Support%20of%20Ukraine%27s%20C4,C4%2C%20capabilities%20to%20new%20levels.
Kateryna Bondar. Does Ukraine Already Have Functional CJADC2 Technology? Center for Strategic & International Studies. December 11, 2024. Available at: https://www.csis.org/analysis/does-ukraine-already-have-functional-cjadc2-technology#:~:text=Does%20Ukraine%20Already%20Have%20Functional,consider%20when%20developing%20CJADC2%20systems.
Tamara Rozouvan. Ukraine’s Delta battlespace management system may be used in NATO joint planning. Janes. 24 January 2025. Available at: https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/c4isr/ukraines-delta-battlespace-management-system-may-be-used-in-nato-joint-planning#:~:text=,ACT%29%20has%20told.
NATO Country Seeks Ukraine’s Delta Combat System in Possible Export Deal. Defense Mirror.30.04.2025. Available at: https://www.defensemirror.com/news/39391/NATO_Country_Seeks_Ukraine___s_Delta_Combat_System_in_Possible_Export_Deal#:~:text=NATO%20Country%20Seeks%20Ukraine%27s%20Delta,platform%20used%20in%20ongoing%20war.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Ігор Борохвостов,Олександр Ковбасюк,Валерій Зубарєв,Ольга Мельник,Микола Сень
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
