How does the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System work? (international)

BELGIUM

06.13.2023

Courtesy Video

Natochannel           

NATO is shielded from airborne threats by an integrated system of radars, ships, fighter jets and anti-air missiles. But how does this system work?
Synopsis

Every day, Allied citizens are protected from airborne threats by an integrated network of sensors, missile defence systems and fighter jets. Collectively, they’re known as the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (IAMD). But how does this system work?
Threats from the air are first detected by an array of sensors deployed by Allies. Based on land, at sea, in the air and even in space, these are capable of detecting aircraft or missile launches minutes after they occur. They feed the data to NATO command posts, such as the Combined Air Operations Centres (CAOCs) in Uedem, Germany and Torrejon, Spain. Commanders can then determine the best way to deal with the threat.
The task might fall to long-range, high-altitude missile defence systems like the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), or the short-to-medium range French Sol-Air Moyenne Portée/Terrestre (SAMP/T). NATO can also use missile defence warships or fighter jets to deal with the threat.
In recent years, the Alliance has had to contend with new threats such as unmanned vehicles and hypersonic missiles. NATO is hard at work on tactics and technology to counter these problems.
This video includes animated sequences that are not necessarily representative of actual military hardware, technologies or capabilities.
Transcript

TEXT ON SCREEN
HOW DOES NATO’S INTEGRATED AIR AND MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEM WORK?

—VOICEOVER IN ENGLISH —

‘As a defensive alliance, NATO needs to safeguard Allies against threats from the air.

This could mean hostile aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, but also emerging threats like drones and hypersonic missiles.

How does NATO defend against these threats?

Working together, NATO Allies have deployed an integrated system of radars, ground- and sea-based air and missile defence systems, and fighter jets across Alliance territory to detect and intercept possible threats.

This is important in peacetime and in times of crisis and conflict.

For example, what if a passenger plane loses communication mid-flight and cannot coordinate with air traffic controllers?

Ground-based and airborne radars can track the plane while jets scramble to visually identify it.

Once they confirm a loss of communication, they can guide the aircraft to safety.

But in the event of a conflict, the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System will shield Allied territory from threats like cruise or ballistic missiles.

A hostile launch would be detected by NATO's array of sensors on land, in the air, at sea or in space.

Once a missile has been pinpointed, NATO can use a variety of defence systems to neutralise the threat.

NATO command posts calculate trajectory, evaluate the threat and determine the best option for interception.

Land-based systems like the US THAAD [Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense] can intercept and destroy missiles at altitudes as high as space.

For short to medium-range targets, NATO can use systems like the Patriot or the SAMP/T [Sol-Air Moyenne-Portée/Terrestre].

Allied warships and fighter jets can also destroy incoming missiles before they can hit Allied soil.

This integrated system works day and night, 365 days a year, keeping Allies safe from threats coming from the sky.

While this system has been around for more than 60 years, the Alliance must now contend with new threats.

Drones can range from larger, unmanned military aircraft to small commercial ones.

While they don't look like much next to a cruise or ballistic missile, they can still cause damage and disruption, especially when used in swarms.

NATO Allies are developing additional solutions to counter potential threats from drones.

Hypersonic missiles present another emerging threat.

Flying faster than five times the speed of sound, these missiles can manoeuvre in flight, making them hard to track.

While defence against hypersonic missiles is challenging, NATO is working on systems to counter them.

No matter what challenges NATO may face in the future, Allies are committed to defending their airspace and keeping their citizens safe.’

This video includes Getty Images’ and its third parties’ and third-party contributors’ copyrighted material licensed by NATO, which cannot be used as part of a new production without Getty Images’ consent. For any use, please contact Getty Images: [e-mail]. This video also contains Thomson Reuters copyrighted library material licensed by NATO which cannot be used as part of a new production without consent of the copyright holder. Please contact Thomson Reuters to clear this material.

Usage rights
This video includes Getty Images’ and its third parties’ and third-party contributors’ copyrighted material licensed by NATO, which cannot be used as part of a new production without Getty Images’ consent. For any use, please contact Getty Images: [e-mail]. This video also contains Thomson Reuters copyrighted library material licensed by NATO which cannot be used as part of a new production without consent of the copyright holder. Please contact Thomson Reuters to clear this material.

• Date Taken: 06.13.2023
• Date Posted: 06.13.2023 12:28
• Category: Package
• Video ID: 886771
• VIRIN: 230613-O-D0483-1001
• Filename: DOD_109703146
• Length: 00:03:23
• Location: BE