Home  /  Media  /  News  /  2023  /  NATO AWACS helps protect NATO Summit in Vilnius

GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany - NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft will provide air surveillance at the NATO Summit. Flying over Allied airspace, NATO AWACS will guard the skies over the Summit taking place in Vilnius, Lithuania from 11 July to 12 July.

During the two day summit, the support from NATO AWACS is a key element in the security of the high-profile event. The modified Boeing 707 aircraft are equipped with a long-range radar and passive sensors. They can detect potential threats, such as aircraft, missiles and drones over a distance of 400 km, making them NATO’s ultimate eye in the sky. NATO AWACS provide Allies with a recognized air picture ensuring decision makers have the best information possible.

Since the start of Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine, NATO has increased its presence in Eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea region with more fighter aircraft, tankers and also surveillance aircraft. AWACS conduct regular patrols over the region to track air movements near NATO borders and thereby contribute to Alliance security.

NATO AWACS also routinely patrol the skies to assist with security for major public occasions, including NATO Summits, and other high-profile events, such as international football tournaments or the Olympics.