[20011107]RS20754_National Security Implications of Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Aircraft.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20754Updated November 7, 2001National Security Implications of AirborneEarly Warning (AEW) Aircraftname redactedname redactedForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryAirborne early warning (AEW) aircraft significantly improve the effectiveness ofmodern defensive and offensive air operations. Presently only a few countriesmanufacture such aircraft. The demand for AEW aircraft, is growing however, as theirutility is recognized. AEW aircraft have been sought by China and India, each a party inregional rivalries. Congress is likely to review the U.S. national security interests andpolicies raised by these cases.BackgroundIntroduction to Airborne Early Warning.Airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft significantly improve the effectiveness ofmodern defensive and offensive air operations. AEW aircraft provide a larger and clearerview of the battlespace, and the ability to more coherently organize and employ largenumbers of aircraft over great distances and against a large number of threats or targets.Because radar is effective only to the extent of its direct line