NATO will distribute three AWACS fleets in the Middle East by next October. This was stated by NATO deputy general manager Alexander Vershbow.
The Alliance announced the use of its AWACS in the fight against ISIS during the Warsaw summit, which took place last July. However, it is up to individual governments to approve the use of crews. The information collected by the platforms Airborne Warning And Control System will be available to all coalition members.
It should be noted that NATO has no direct involvement in the ongoing air strikes in both Syria and Iraq. However, - added Vershbow - NATO's small AWACS fleet of six E-3s could provide added value. AWACS will not be involved in battle management because the Organization does not participate in coalition raids.
The operational base of the AWACS is not yet clear. NATO is also on the list Airborne Early Warning Control Force - Forward Operating Base of Trapani.
Earlier this year a NATO AWACS stationed in Geilenkirchen (Germany) was deployed in Konya (Turkey), in the central province of Anatolia, during the growing Russian activity along the border between Syria and Turkey.
(photo: NATO)
