Lieutenant General Perrin, HQ Joint Force Command Brunnsum (JFCBS) Chief of Staff (COS) took to the skies above Europe on Wednesday, 08th May, 2024, as a guest of NATO’s Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NAEW&CF), in one of their E-3A Airborne Warning And Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft.
The ability to closely monitor NATO airspace and to provide support to ground forces is essential across the NATO Alliance.
As detailed in the NAEW&CF factsheet, E-3A AWACS are equipped with long-range radar and a multitude of sensors. These continually monitor the airspace over Europe and are NATO’s ‘Eyes in the Sky’. Flying at an altitude of 10km, they can monitor an area of 312,000km, able to detect both air and surface targets at ranges up to 520km
As directed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC) and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), the crews of these state-of-the-art aircraft are able to conduct a wide range of missions, from peacetime air policing to counter-terrorism and evacuation support. They are also able to give the full spectrum of airborne support in response to any crisis across NATO territories.
“The ability to closely monitor NATO airspace and to provide support to ground forces is essential across the NATO Alliance”, said Lt Gen Perrin. “These are solely NATO operated assets but provide an invaluable resource for the enhanced Vigilance Activities JFCBS is leading. This is key for our ability to protect NATO territory and respond to crisis in our areas of responsibility”.
NAEW&CF and NATO AWACS have been providing control and guidance throughout the Alliance since 1982.