NATO AWACS Deployed To Turkey

NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) has been deployed to one of its Forward Operating Bases (FOB) at Konya, Turkey to support its southern ally, NATO confirmed

NATO said the AWACS began its series of additional support missions on Saturday, March 12, building a comprehensive Recognized Air and Surface Picture (RASP) for NATO commanders on the ground.

“NATO must remain vigilant in order to maintain a high level of situational awareness,” said General Philip M. Breedlove, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).

According to NATO, the AWACS will use a number of pre-designated orbits in Turkey to collect data which is then fed into the NATO Intelligence Assessment channels. This overall increase in AWACS activity will enhance interoperability, responsiveness and effectiveness of the Alliance and reinforce assurance to Turkey and other Alliance members in the area.

“It is important for us to increase stability in the region and we are determined to do what is necessary to address or deter emerging threats,” said General Breedlove.

Within five days of receiving SACEUR’s initiating order for Tailored Assurance Measures, the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control (NAEW&C) Force coordinated a full simulator rehearsal, completed mission planning, deployed to Turkey and executed its first Tailored Assurance Measure mission. The Force will deploy to Konya each month as part of the new Assurance Measure tasking.

Following a recent increase in cross-border activities with Russia, Turkey requested additional military support to the region. This additional support, approved by NATO, comes in the form of Tailored Assurance Measures and includes an increase in AWACS presence in the region as well as other integrated air, ground, and maritime activities.