07/02/2006 (Agence Europe) - The Netherlands are putting pressure on NATO to equip the Boeing AWACS E-3A aircraft, based at Geilenkirchen (Germany), and used by the Alliance in surveillance, detection and command operations, with new engines. The Netherlands is thus hoping that NATO initiates a $600-700 million programme to equip the Boeings with new engines to protect the inhabitants living near the air base from noise pollution. In an interview to Jane's Defence Weekly at the end of January, the Dutch Secretary of State, Cees van der Knaap, stated that “the Netherlands had taken its responsibility in improving AWAC flight safety”. He added that it was “now up to NATO” to assume its responsibilities.