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Maybe I am misunderstanding your post here... When I create RKE2 cluster (via Rancher UI) Calico is default:

Sorry, I am not using the Rancher UI. Just the rke2 images and rke2 binary as part of our automation in airgap. I just need these 2 files to its proper destination. rke2-images.linux-amd64.tar.zst rke2.linux-amd64 However, if I want to use Calico, I need these core-image and the calico image to its porper destination. rke2-images-calico.linux-amd64.tar.zst rke2-images-core.linux-amd64.tar.zst

correct

Thanks @creamy-pencil-82913. Just to iterate my question, how does Calico compare to the default CNI in general?

CNI selection criteria is for you to decide, not something I can really answer in a quick Slack message.

fair enough. Thanks again!