“We have increased the level of security at the air base NATO Geilenkirchen based on information “intelligence indicating a potential threat,” the AWACS (Airborne Early Warning System) association reported on social media. German media unofficially report that American intelligence was supposed to warn the Germans about attack drones to a base in North Rhine-Westphalia.
NATO Base Raises Alarm. Personnel Leave Geilenkirchen
– This is absurd. Furthermore, as with any airport, the airspace is of course closely monitored. Nothing would fly through here – denied these reports, air base spokesman Christian Brett, quoted by tagesschau.de. He assured that planes AWACS continue to take off and land from Geilenkirchen. Nevertheless, safety measures have been taken.
“All non-mission essential personnel have been sent home as a precaution. The safety of our personnel is our highest priority. Operations are continuing as planned,” NATO said in a statement. About half of the 1,600 personnel were to leave the base. Christian Brett said this was “no cause for concern.”
However, what may already be causing some concern is the third level of threat “Charlie” on a four-level scale. It means that “an incident has occurred or intelligence has been received indicating that some form of terrorist action against NATO organizations or personnel is highly probable.” Reuters Agency reports that the issued warning is still in force, but the threat level has been reduced to two.
What are AWACS aircraft?
At NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, there are 14 AWACS reconnaissance aircraft. Their main role is to detect other aircraft, as well as ships, using a radar of a suitable design. They are not so much combat aircraft as warning aircraft. They are to detect threats in advance so that NATO can prepare for a possible attack.