The distinctive insignia of the NAEW&C Force Command E-3A Component features a central field with a NATO star above the prominent image of an E 3A aircraft and three lightning bolts emanating from below it; these elements are superimposed over a dark blue globe with an upper background fading from orange to yellow.

The NATO star symbolizes the Alliance members who operate and support the E-3A Component, NATO’s first multinational flying unit. The prominent image of the E 3A depicts the aircraft on station, performing surveillance and command and control duties. The lightning bolts portray the rapid dissemination of information through 21st century communication technology.

The globe curving across the horizon represents NATO’s global role within the NATO Reaction Force (NRF). The striking orange-to-yellow gradient illustrates the early dawn just before sunrise, as a figurative reference to the start of the Component’s new era with the recently modernized NATO AWACS fleet.

The entire insignia portrays a modernized NATO AWACS in a global role and as an important NATO asset for maintaining peace and security.