An interface between an aircraft and a precision-guided missile having automatic target recognition capability receives target image data and target location data from the aircraft, translates the data into formats usable by the missile, and downloads the target data to the missile at any time prior to launch of the missile. The interface includes a mission-planning unit and a terrain and elevation data storage unit enabling the air crew to call up terrain and elevation data on a visual display for planning a missile mission, and to transmit mission parameters to the missile during aircraft flight.