‘God’s-eye view’: How secret flights are keeping close eye on Russia, Ukraine

NEW DELHI: As the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, secretive surveillance flights are closely monitoring the borders.
The Associated Press had exclusive access to a large Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, which flew a 10-hour reconnaissance mission from France to Romanian airspace and back.
The AWACS aircraft circled at 34,000 feet, providing real-time intelligence to ground-based commanders and serving as a shield for NATO on the eastern flank. With regular surveillance flights and other defence measures, NATO is closely monitoring Russian aggression and ensuring the safety of its borders.
The commander of the AWACS aircraft, Lieutenant Colonel Richard, stated, “The ultimate goal is, of course, no conflict and deterrence”.
“We need to show that we have the shield, show to the other countries that NATO is collective defence. We have the ability to detect everywhere. And we are not here for a conflict. We are here to show that we are present and ready,” he added.
The French AWACS, along with other surveillance aircraft, are responsible for detecting aircraft, UAVs, missiles, and ships in Ukraine and along the border.
NATO also possesses its own fleet of AWACS aircraft, capable of detecting targets within a range of hundreds of kilometers. These aircraft play a crucial role in monitoring and understanding Russian military operations.
With a capability to fly continuously for 12 hours without refueling, French AWACS extend beyond their traditional roles of surveillance, communications, and air-traffic control missions for NATO. Anticipated to play a crucial role in the extensive security measures for the Paris Olympics, these aircraft are poised to contribute additional radar surveillance, offering what Lt. Col. Richard referred to as their “God’s-eye view.”
Major Romain, the French co-pilot, described the situation as a “dialogue” between them and Russian pilots.
“We know that they see us, they know that we see them. Let’s say that it’s some kind of a dialogue between them and us,” the French co-pilot, Major Romain, said.
France’s four AWACS are among a variety of surveillance aircraft, including unmanned UAV drones, that gather intelligence for NATO and its member nations. Lt. Col. Richard said the French E-3F-type AWACS see for hundreds of kilometers (miles) with their distinctive black-and-white rooftop radar domes, although he wouldn’t be precise.
However, Russian pilots have shown their dislike for being watched, as evidenced by incidents involving British and American surveillance planes.
In 2022, a Russian fighter jet released a missile near a British air force surveillance aircraft flying over the Black Sea. The US government also released a video in March 2023 showing a Russian fighter jet dumping fuel on a US Air Force surveillance drone, resulting in its crash into the Black Sea.
In response to Russian flights near its airspace, NATO scrambles fighter jets to monitor the situation. However, the number of such encounters has decreased, possibly due to stronger Ukrainian air defenses and shoot-down defenses.
On the French flight, the co-pilot emphasized that their orders are to remain passive and polite in case of interception by Russian planes. The focus is on de-escalation and maintaining peace in the airspace.
(With inputs from AP)