Boeing Delivers First Upgraded Early Warning AWACS Aircraft To NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has received the first of 14 Boeing E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft with cockpit upgrades that improve mission-readiness and decrease customer costs.

The planes’ Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management digital flight deck and avionics enhancements ensure compliance with current and future air traffic control and navigation requirements, the company announced today.

The AWACS fleet is NATO’s first integrated, multinational flying unit, providing rapid deployment, airborne surveillance and communication for NATO operations.

Thirteen additional AWACS planes for NATO will have the upgrade installed as part of a $257 million modification effort, with the entire fleet slated for completion in 2018.