Last NATO AWACS Comes Home From Afghanistan

The last NATO E-3A airborne warning and control system (AWACS) returned to its home base in Geilenkirchen, Germany, Sept. 25. Since January 2011, the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force has flown 1,240 missions totalling 12,240 flying hours from Mazar-e-Sharif, conducting air surveillance, tactical battle management functions such as support and control of aircraft involved in offensive and defensive counter air operations, close air support, battlefield air interdiction, combat search and rescue, reconnaissance, and tactical air transport.

NATO has determined that its AWACS are not required for Operation Resolute Support starting Jan. 1 to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces. In future, the control and reporting center in Al Udeid, Qatar, will conduct military air traffic control of Afghan airspace, in coordination with the responsible civilian air traffic authorities.

NATO has not received yet any such request, but will the next AWACS mission be over Iraq?

NATO photos