AGS: NATO's remotely piloted surveillance system explained

Credit: Paris Grabeel | Date Taken: 02/25/2020
A group of 15 NATO Allies has acquired the Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) system comprised of five NATO RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft and the associated European-sourced ground command and control stations. The AGS Force has achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC), marking a major milestone for the programme. AGS is collectively owned and operated by all NATO Allies and will be a vital capability for NATO operations and missions. All Allies will have access to data acquired by AGS, and benefit from the intelligence derived from the surveillance and reconnaissance missions that AGS will undertake. The first of five AGS aircraft landed at their base in Sigonella, Italy in November 2019. Footage includes the AGS system on the runway at Sigonella Airbase and pilots operating the system from workstations. Footage is filmed in a variety of slow motion and sped up, therefore audio has been excluded.