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NATO AWACS

Effective air defense is an Alliance priority. The NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) constitutes a highly mobile surveillance system designed to provide a solid air defense system over the entire Euro-Atlantic region.

The primary mission of the NATO AWACS fleet is to offer a multinational and immediately available airborne surveillance, warning and control capability in support of Alliance objectives. The fleet enables data to be transmitted directly from aircraft to command and control centers on the ground, sea or in the air. The system also provides an all-altitude warning and detection capability which improves the Alliance's maritime surface picture essential for surveillance operators.

In practice, the fleet plays a unique and valuable role for the Alliance by conducting a broad range of missions, ranging ranging from air surveillance to air operations, such as close air support, reconnaissance and airlift. The changing nature of the international security environment in recent years has also led to the deployment of the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NAEW&CF) on more complex and tactical missions, including air-to-air and air-to-ground control, airspace management, air policing, combat search and rescue, force marshalling and threat warning.

Since 1982, when it began flying operations, the AWACS fleet has proven to be a critical asset for crisis management and peace support operations. The fleet has also played an important role in supporting NATO's strategic objectives, the command and control structures and the various missions and operations. With its flexibility, quick reaction and long-range capability, it has demonstrated its ability to respond effectively to emerging political and military crises.

The adaptability of AWACS aircraft served NATO well during the Cold War and has made the force an essential component of Alliance transformation today.

(www.e3a.nato.int)