Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:05:11-4:06:11

Air-defence command and airborne control hubs

The distinction between radar coverage and multinational command explains why some warning tasks need an aircraft as large as the E-7.

Airborne Early WarningCommand And ControlE-7 WedgetailNATO
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Question

How have inter-service disputes over air-defence command and control been handled?

Short answer

Shared NATO arrangements connect the forces, with an airborne early-warning aircraft acting as the practical control point.

Notes

The initial division assigns responsibility according to whether aircraft operate from land or sea. Common NATO control arrangements let the forces work together. During an air war, the early-warning aircraft occupying the relevant command position can take the lead. A radar platform with limited control responsibilities serves a different requirement from a multinational aerial-warfare hub. The latter helps explain the size of an aircraft such as the E-7.