Nato is to use software from supplier Adobe at its Brussels headquarters to assist with aerial missions.

The E-3A department at Nato is the world's only integrated multinational flying unit, dedicated to protecting the organisations' 26 member countries.

Adobe's Flex software and LiveCycle Data Services will be used to reduce the time it takes crew members to prepare for flights. Once airborne, pilots will also benefit from the swift relay of data from 80 different sources – from emergency flight routes to information on their local environment.

"We are always looking for ways to improve our efficiency, but only invest in technology that has proven to be reliable," said Steve Lusardi, project officer for Nato.

"Adobe Flex is accepted worldwide and provides us with a new opportunity to automate the flight preparation process and save valuable time," he said.

"It goes without saying that it is crucial for the Nato crew to have access to relevant information."