NATO is exploring the idea of creating a joint command center based on Arctic operations, the US Air Forces in Europe command, and typical General James Hecker said, speaking on a panel discussion with the Swedish and Norwegian air forces at the Association of Aerospace Forces conference.
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“We’re going to use […] the close relationship between Arctic change and the knowledge that you produce to make that happen. So, […] I think we’ll have a third joint technology command center pretty soon,” the general said.
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NATO already has joint air operations centers in Germany and Spain.
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In comments, Hecker said that NATO’s supreme commander in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, fundamentally agreed with the idea. He clarified that a substantiated proposal from the alliance still needs to be submitted.
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The general added that it is not yet known where exactly the control center will be located. Also, according to him, the US Air Force is already experimenting with MQ-9 Reaper and Global Hawk drones in the Arctic Circle to increase situational awareness.
