Capable of flying for 12 hours without refueling, the French AWACS missions will also be mobilized during the Paris Olympics.
As the war in Ukraine soon enters its third year, NATO is increasing patrols on the Romanian border with its AWACS aircraft.
These machines equipped with an airborne detection and control system were deployed by the French army, and regularly carry out 10-hour reconnaissance missions from the center of France to Romanian airspace, thus covering all the South of France, Ukraine and the Black Sea up to occupied Crimea.
These planes are also detected by Russia, explains Major Romain, AWACS of the French Air Force: “we know that they see us, they know that we see them. Let’s say that it’s a kind of dialogue between them and us.”
Regular surveillance flights, fighter patrols, ground radars, missile batteries and other equipment at NATO’s disposal, form what the French squadron commander describes as “a shield” against any potential overflow. With one goal “dissuade and avoid any direct conflict”.
“We are 31 countries. We are all together and all our assets are together to show the shield. And we have the ability to detect everywhere. And we are not here for a conflict. We are here to show that we are present and ready” says Lieutenant Colonel Richard, AWACS of the French Air Force
Capable of flying for 12 hours without refueling, French AWACS missions are not limited to surveillance on behalf of NATO. Several squadrons will be deployed during the Paris Olympic Games in July and August, to provide additional security.