NATO declares second level of alert at its airbase in Germany due to potential threat
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
NATO has declared a second-level highest threat level at its airbase Charlie in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. All non-essential personnel have been sent home as a precaution, reports FAZ.
According to a base spokesperson, the elevation to Charlie security level was prompted by intelligence indicating a potential threat.
In NATO jargon, a Charlie security level indicates that an incident has occurred or there is evidence suggesting a high likelihood of some form of terrorist action against the Alliance.
"This is not a cause for concern but is purely a precautionary measure to ensure we can continue our critical operations," the spokesperson said. They did not provide additional details about the circumstances leading to the increased threat level.
Police have confirmed their involvement in the response.
Location of the AWACS early warning system
NATO has deployed an airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) to its airbase in Geilenkirchen. Fourteen modified Boeing 707 aircraft are tasked with monitoring the airspace to detect potential threats early and provide warning to the Alliance. The system offers classic air and maritime surveillance and functions as a flying command center for managing combat aircraft.
The AWACS system has been involved in numerous operations, including in the Balkans and Afghanistan. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, NATO temporarily relocated its aviation assets to Romania.
The AWACS aircraft have a range of 9,250 kilometers and can detect and identify other aircraft at distances exceeding 400 kilometers.
Concerns of sabotage emerged a week ago
About a week ago, concerns arose within several Bundeswehr units regarding potential sabotage involving the contamination of drinking water. However, inspections did not confirm any threat.
