Q&A: Commanding NATO’s Airborne Early Warning Force

0

Rate this Article: (Be the First!)   Thanks for your rating!

Defence IQ speaks with Major General Stephen Schmidt, Commander of NATO’s Airborne Early Warning and Control Force Command, based in Casteau, Belgium. He leads AEW&C staff from 16 NATO members within the alliance’s only operational air command.

Defence IQ         Sir, NATO operates a fleet of Boeing E-3 A/D. What can you tell us about the overall structure of this fleet, and about its recent modifications?

Maj Gen Schmidt             NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control (NAEW&C) is a multi-national and fully integrated organization operated by NATO.  The NAEW&C programme is comprised of 17 E-3A aircraft based in Germany and 7 E-3D aircraft operated by the UK.  The NAEW&C Force provides vital airborne surveillance and airborne battle management capability in support of Alliance objectives.  It is a highly successful example of multi-national collaboration within the Alliance.  

The NAEW&C Force is at the forefront of international Airborne Early Warning & Control capability.  We are no longer simply radar and radios.  Recently we have modified the fleet with beyond line-of-sight Internet Protocol (IP) communications capabilities.  This instant messaging system, as a means to facilitate command and control, has become increasingly important to modern air operations and is now an entry requirement for supporting the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.

Since 1990, the E-3A fleet has undergone a Near-Term and Mid-Term program to modernize the fleet.  The Near-Term program (1990-2000) enhanced the communications, surveillance, and computer capabilities.  The Mid-Term program (1997-2010) further enhanced the fleet’s capabilities in areas such as human-machine interface, multi-sensor integration, navigations system improvements, and satellite communications.  August 2011 marked the completion of the most recent upgrade, the NATO Mid-Term Computer Upgrade Project.  This project upgraded the computer processing ability and power supply boards of the mission consoles.  These modernization programs ensure NATO a viable E-3 fleet for the future.

DIQ        The AWACS fleet has been flying more numerous and varied sorties over the past few years. What, if any, capability gaps have emerged as a result of this?

MGS      The NATO E-3 involvement in the recent Libya operation proved to be a key contribution to the successful outcome.  It validated the program’s need to maintain a modern AWACS fleet.  At the successful conclusion of operations, we are exploring requirements needed for future operations. 

IP based communication is one such area.  We operated dual bonded Iridium antenna on the E-3A aircraft allowing us the simultaneous use of both the automatic identification system and chat capability.  This provides a robust and resilient machine to machine link between aircraft and command networks.  We continue to explore and test IP based communications in an effort to fully develop this invaluable capability.

The use and participation in live chat rooms has become central to the command and control process.  Chat capability is effectively used to accomplish the mission faster and more efficient than in the past.  We continue to seek new ways to expand this capability and fully utilize chat in future operations.

We also desire to shorten the decision cycle involved in wartime situations.  One way to do this is to get better at dynamic targeting.  We need the ability to quickly discern information, engage the target, and assess the outcome in the shortest time possible.  Doing this quicker than the adversary can lead to success.

DIQ        Canada was reported this year to be dropping out of NATO's AWACS programme because of financial pressures. How much of a challenge does it present to ensure requirements continue to be met whilst managing the needs or circumstances of multiple allied nations?

MGS      Canada is a significant member of the Alliance and has always provided valuable support to Force Command.  Its decision to withdraw from the NAEW&C Programme was as a result of a recent Defence Review.  However, it is important that Force Command continues to utilize efficiently and effectively our resources in order to provide the most capable surveillance and aerospace control available to NATO and coalition forces.  With the austere financial environment and inevitable financial pressures, we continue to seek new, better, and more efficient ways to do business while still meeting the level of ambition desired by the Alliance.

DIQ        The AWACS played a crucial role in Libya this year, even before the decision to establish the no-fly zone. What have been some of the key lessons and successes of the fleet during this campaign?

MGS      Force Command achieved many successes during Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR (OUP) in Libya.  During OUP, NATO AWACS provided 100% on station time providing continuous battle management, air and surface surveillance, and air traffic de-confliction for the Alliance.  We also demonstrated the capability to forward deploy by establishing operations at a forward operating base allowing us to provide the most effective and timely support possible.  Equally important, was the safe return of all our crews during the 4000 plus hours of flying.  We had no flight safety incidents during the 7 months of operations.  NATO AWACS proved to be reliable, flexible and fully capable of fulfilling the mission.

We are in the process of assessing the operation for ways to improve our performance in the future.  One initial lesson identified was the critical role that the E-3 provides in networked operations.  In some areas, there was lack of understanding of the capabilities of the E-3 weapon system.  We discovered that not everyone knows the effects E-3 brings to the fight and what we are capable of providing.  We also discovered the need to increase network capabilities.  We identified the need to expand shared networks and ensure everyone requiring access can join the network and fully utilize the information it contains.

DIQ        Defence IQ is frequently in touch with those devising and operating the BOLD QUEST programme, aimed at enhancing joint forces in a variety of operational scenarios. How has NATO's AEW capability been involved in this exercise?

MGS      NATO E-3A’s have willingly participated in Exercise BOLD QUEST in previous years.  Our participation in the August 2011 exercise reached a new high with many technological and operational firsts demonstrated by AWACS.  We approached BOLD QUEST with an aggressive experimentation plan focused on the area of digital close air support.  We successfully explored possible ways to improve our ability to manage the ever changing battlespace in the digital environment.  BOLD QUEST 2011 also validated the concept of placing a tactical air controller (TAC) on board an AWACS to conduct operations.  We will use the results of BOLD QUEST 2011 to operationalize the concept of integrating a TAC into the AWACS crew as a way to enhance battle management in the future.

DIQ        What are NATO's future plans for upgrading its AEW fleet, or indeed are there any long-term plans to replace any of the E-3s or transition to a fully unmanned fleet?

MGS      We operate in a dynamic environment in which simply responding to change is not enough.  We need to be proactive and fully prepared to meet the challenges the Joint Force Commanders will face in the future.  To remain relevant into the future, NATO is investing heavily in a cockpit modernization program with the goal to ensure worldwide airspace access.  Additionally, we are in the midst of improving our aircraft interrogation systems for both military and commercial applications.  The European Airspace in which we daily operate challenges us to meet or exceed the European Commission mandates.  These programs will ensure we are able to navigate to the fight in the most efficient manner and provide the effects required by the Joint Force Commander.

Contributor:   Richard de Silva

Richard de Silva reports on defence and security at DefenceIQ.com. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and Film and a Master’s Degree in Film from Kingston University, London.

You Should Check Out:

Intense Round of Global AEW Investment Ends in ‘Mystery’ Contract

Replacing AWACs With UAVs?