NATO’s air surveillance planes, known as AWACS, have begun flying missions to counter ISIL. The AWACS aircraft will only fly in international airspace or over Turkey, providing support for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL with air surveillance and situational awareness. The aircraft will not coordinate coalition air strikes or provide command and control for fighter aircraft. NATO AWACS support for the coalition is part of NATO’s broader fight against terrorism. This contribution does not make NATO a member of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL. NATO AWACS stands for NATO Airborne Warning and Control System.

This footage includes shots of an AWACS aircraft taking off from and landing at Konya Airport in Turkey plus shots of the crew onboard.