May 15 2023

NATO AWACS participates in Anatolian Eagle 2023

The NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NATO AEW&CF) participated in the Turkish Air Force-led exercise, Anatolian Eagle 2023, at Forward Operating Base Konya, Türkiye, from 26 April to 12 May. During this exercise, the AWACS crew provided command and control support with its long-range radar and passive sensor capabilities for the participating fighter aircraft.

A NATO E-3A AWACS from NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, lands on the flightline at Forward Operating Base Konya, Türkiye, May 5, 2023. The AWACS participated in Anatolian Eagle 2023, a life-flight exercise that offered large-scale and realistic scenarios to train aircrew. (Courtesy Photo by FOB Konya Public Affairs)

Anatolian Eagle 2023 was a tactical live-flight exercise that offered the aircrew excellent training opportunities to train in a large scale and realistic scenario and improves the working relationship within the NATO security network. Participation is approved and supported by NATO’s highest decision-making entity, the North Atlantic Council.

Since its establishment in 2001, Anatolian Eagle’s unique geographic location has provided a realistic experience for pilots and air defense personnel to exercise and develop operational procedures. It also allows fighter pilots to execute their planned tactics to employ in large force compositions while training them to fight and teaching them to survive.

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Aircraft fly around Forward Operating Base Konya, Türkiye, May 5, 2023, for Exercise Anatolian Eagle 2023. Anatolian Eagle 2023 was a life-flight exercise that offered large-scale and realistic scenarios to train aircrew. (Courtesy Photo by Martin Gillet)

Story by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew D. Sarver, Airborne Early Warning & Control Force Public Affairs