early warning

In war, advance notice of incoming attack, often associated with nuclear attack. There are early-warning radar systems in the UK (Fylingdales), Alaska, and Greenland. Airborne early warning (AEW) is provided by reconnaissance planes; NATO has such a system.

The most efficient AEW system, which NATO uses, is the Boeing Sentry AWACS (airborne warning and control system), capable of covering a wide area. Carrier battle groups also need AEW. During the 1982 Falklands War the British Royal Navy was not equipped with adequate over-the-horizon surveillance capability, and some ships were hit and sunk by Exocet surface-to-surface missiles.