The system builds on more than a decade of continuous development and operational experience from the legacy OPAL solution. IAI said the earlier OPAL system is already deployed across fighter aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, mission and airborne early warning aircraft, naval vessels and command centres.
OPAL-NG supports interoperability with NATO standards, including Link-16. The company said the new architecture expands OPAL’s core role as a network-centric, standards-based software-defined avionics system.
The system is designed to enable seamless interoperability, real-time data sharing and unified multi-domain situational awareness. IAI said it supports operations across air, land and naval forces.
OPAL-NG introduces edge-based artificial intelligence to improve real-time data processing, prioritisation and decision support at platform level. The company said this is intended to enhance manned-unmanned teaming and Collaborative Combat Aircraft capabilities.
The system allows unmanned platforms to operate as an extension of manned assets. According to IAI, OPAL-NG enables sensing, electronic warfare, interception and strike functions to be shared dynamically through continuous real-time collaboration during missions.
The new version also includes a real-time decentralised network. IAI said this supports faster and more resilient multi-domain operations in complex and challenging environments.
“Future combat will be defined by interoperability, speed and the ability to operate as a cohesive, multi-domain force. OPAL-NG reflects our long-term investment in advanced battle management solutions that connect platforms, systems and operators into a single operational framework. By introducing AI-enabled processing and enhanced collaboration between manned and unmanned systems, we are enabling faster, more informed decision-making in increasingly complex operational environments,” said Boaz Levy, IAI’s Chairman of the Board.
“OPAL-NG fundamentally changes how forces operate by creating a shared operational picture across platforms and domains. The added capabilities further strengthen real-time operations, enabling faster sensor-to-shooter cycles and more effective coordination between distributed assets. With its open architecture and flexibility, OPAL-NG allows forces to integrate existing systems, while further enhancing their operational capabilities on existing and new platforms,” said Yaacov Berkovitz, EVP and GM, IAI Aviation.
At its core, OPAL-NG creates a shared operational picture between platforms. The system allows them to exchange not only data, but also high-quality voice, imagery, video and mission-level insights in real time.
IAI said this enables participating platforms to operate from a common operational picture. The company said the capability can improve coordination, effectiveness and survivability.
The system is intended to shorten the sensor-to-shooter cycle by turning large volumes of multi-source data into actionable insights within milliseconds. IAI said this supports time-critical targeting and dynamic mission execution.
OPAL-NG is designed as a standards-based, open architecture framework. The company said customers can integrate existing systems, datalinks and software-defined radios, while also developing operational applications tailored to indigenous and evolving mission needs.
