Security level raised at Nato Awacs base after intelligence reveals potential threat
The security level at a Nato airbase in the German town of Geilenkirchen has been raised overnight "based on intelligence information indicating a potential threat".
Nato Airbase Geilenkirchen, the base housing Nato's fleet of Awacs (airborne warning and control system) surveillance aircraft, remains on high alert but "operations continue as planned".
"We are still at Charlie," a spokesperson said – security level Charlie is defined as "an incident has occurred or intelligence has been received indicating that some form of terrorist action against Nato organisations or personnel is highly likely".
Nato Awacs posted on X: "We raised the security level at NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen based on intelligence information indicating a potential threat.
"All non-mission essential staff have been sent home as a precautionary measure. The safety of our staff is our top priority. Operations continue as planned."
Nato's 'eyes in the sky'
Nato Airborne Early Warning and Control Force is home to Nato's 'eyes in the sky', the E-3A airborne warning and control system (Awacs).
The surveillance plane's distinctive radar dish makes the Awacs easily identifiable, although the aircraft is in fact a modified, 20th-century Boeing 707, once used by commercial airlines.
It plays an important and unique role for the alliance by protecting Allied airspace.
The aircraft provides the alliance with immediately available air and maritime surveillance, airborne command and control, and air battle management capability.
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