The NATO AGS RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft force have now declared Initial Operating Capability.
NATO say that this is a major milestone for the programme, which will substantially increase the Alliance’s awareness, indications and warnings of what is happening around its borders.
“In November, we recently announced the arrival of the final NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance aircraft in Sigonella, Italy, a significant milestone towards improved sensing of the environment”, said Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Wolters, during the Brussels-Hub media interview on February 3, 2021.
NATO’s AGS system will provide a unique state-of-the-art capability for all 30 Alliance Members, with a platform adapted to meet NATO’s Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance requirements.
“The declaration of Initial Operational Capability is an important milestone for NATO’s Alliance Ground Surveillance Force and for the Alliance as a whole. The RQ-4D “Phoenix” Remotely Piloted Aircraft is a highly capable system”, said SHAPE Strategic Employment Directorate Commander, Major General Phillip Stewart earlier.
“This unique, multinational capability, paired with a team of Allied specialists who process, evaluate, and distribute intelligence, provides NATO decision makers with timely and relevant information. AGS is a win for our ability to better understand the security environment and our efforts to sustain peace”, General Stewart added.
The NATO-owned and operated AGS capability enables the Alliance to perform persistent surveillance over wide areas from high-altitude long-endurance aircraft, operating at considerable distances and in any weather or light condition.
Using advanced radar sensors, these systems will continuously detect and track moving objects and will provide radar imagery of areas of interest and stationary objects. All 30 NATO Allies will have access to the intelligence they generate.
Could this be a possible Sentinel replacement?
I wish! Bit pricey.
120+ million a pop?!
Okay then, that’s that then. Didn’t realise drones were so dear.