NATO allies impressed by the Greek AEW&CS that participated in Libya operations

Three months after the end of the NATO mission in Libya military agencies involved in the Unified Protector operation record positive and negative operational findings: One of them is the presence and involvement of the Greek “flying radar” – the Airborne Early Warning and Control systems.

Being unknown to NATO before the operation in Libya the participation of the Greek system was initially faced with some rational hesitation. But Greek officers report that its flexibility and other technological advantages were visible and recognized. Besides there are not many NATO air forces that have their own flying radars. Their purpose is to observe from above and from distance restricted areas and to coordinate the air traffic.

Today, the recognition of their involvement was officially expressed by the US Commander of NATO’s Allied Air Component Command Headquarters at Izmir, Turkey.

Lieutenant General Ralph Jodice II in his visits to air units involved in operations in Libya to thank the staff visited the 380 Squadron that operates 4 Erieye/ Embraer 145 aircraft and is based at Elefsis air base. These systems (co-product of companies from Sweden, Brazil and France) were ordered in early 2000, they were received in 2004-5 and they were fully integrated in the Greek arsenal in late 2008, early 2009.

The U.S. Commander after his visit to the Chief HAFGS Lieutenant General Antonios Tsantirakis, went to the 112 Combat Wing in Elefsis Air Base. There he had a meeting with the Commander, Major General Prionas. He also visited the premises of the 380 Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron (AEW&CS) where he was briefed on the participation of the Squadron in the NATO operation in Libya.

Mr. Ralph Jodice II also visited the Search and Rescue Unit that operates Super Puma helicopters: One of these helicopters together with its special trained rescuers participated in the NATO operation by moving in Suda, Crete and Kalamata. Finally the American officer went to the Hellenic Tactical Air Force (HTAF), based in Larissa, to congratulate the staff of the CAOC Larissa that had an important role in the NATO Unified Protector mission in Libya.

Source: tanea.gr

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