AWACS, or Airborne Warning and Control System, is a surveillance drone equipped with an aircraft radar. This can detect aircraft at low elevations and in any terrain. It can be used for reconnaissance, command and control, and communications. It is equipped with a radar dome which rotates above the fuselage. The antenna measures 9m (30ft) in size and can cover 400 km of airspace. It can also detect low flyers at 200 nautical miles. Its primary function is to monitor and detect threats from the air. It can also direct its own air defense systems. It is used by US Air Force, France and Great Britain as well as the Royal Saudi Air Force.
AWACS planes were used during the 1991 Persian Gulf War and UN implementation of a no fly zone over Bosnia. They were critical in providing information about enemy actions. They also assisted in the pairing of targets and strike aircraft. These aircraft were also able to stop "blue-on blue" attacks. They also served as a force multiplier. NATO has used AWACS before. The aircraft provided situational alert for the Global Coalition of Defeat ISIS. AWACS planes have supported major sporting events and wargames, including Red Flag games in the U.S.A. and NATO exercises on the Balkans.
AWACS can be deployed to any place on the planet. They can both be flown at night or daytime. They are usually assigned two operational flying squadrons. They may fly up to three times a week. They can be fitted with a KC-135 fuel tanker so they can refuel while in flight. They can be operated by themselves or in conjunction with intelligence. They can be used to detect threats, emitters, and maritime traffic. They can also provide a variety of electronic equipment such as a space-based position system, a Mark XV identification Friend or Foe radar and a Have Quick secure vocal communications system. It is possible to also deploy the system to an on-ground C2C where it can provide valuable information to enemy aircraft.
AWACS aircraft were deployed during the 1991 Persian Gulf War and UN-imposed no-fly zones over Bosnia and Kosovo. They also served as a part of the U.S. military operation in Afghanistan. They were the first aircraft to detect threats from Iraqi during the Gulf War. They were equipped with an advanced Indian AESA radar system. They flew more that 3,000 coalition planes per day.
AWACS airframes remain active in operations Noble Eagle & Enduring Freedom. They also participate in counter ISIL rotations where they are deployed to Turkey for a month. They can also provide support in the air during international events like the NATO Summit held in Warsaw, 2008, and the Olympics in Beijing, 2008. They can also provide airborne surveillance during operations Northern and Southern Watch.
AWACS aircraft provide command and control, as well as reconnaissance, to Air Force units. They can be used by the Tactical Air Command (AFSC), the Air Force Strategic Command (AFSC), and the Tactical Air Command. NATO also uses them. They can be data-linked with other aircraft, ground stations and other allied air force forces.