NATO planes to protect EU summit in Spain

Spanish Defence Minister Mr Federico Trillo said one or two AWACS (airborne warning and control system) planes would patrol the…

NATO surveillance aircraft will protect a European Union summit in Seville later this month.

Spanish Defence Minister Mr Federico Trillo said one or two AWACS (airborne warning and control system) planes would patrol the skies of the Andalucian city during the meeting.

The AWACS, considered the ultimate guardian of the skies, already watched over Barcelona when EU leaders met there in March and guarded US air space after the September 11th hijacked airliner attacks on New York and Washington.

Tight security is expected to surround the Seville summit, which brings together heads of state or government of the 15 EU member countries.

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Government officials have said authorities foiled plans by Basque separatist group ETA to attack some previous EU meetings during Spain's six-month presidency of the bloc.

AWACS planes can detect and track enemy aircraft flying at low altitudes and coordinate with friendly aircraft.