Amid the rapid obsolescence of its E-3 Sentry, the U.S. Air Force has reached a $2.56 billion deal with Boeing to produce two rapid prototypes of the E-7A Wedgetail.
The airborne early warning and control aircraft are scheduled for delivery in fiscal 2028 after a production decision is scheduled for 2026.
“This agreement is a significant win for our warfighters, paving the way for ensuring the Air Force’s ability to provide advanced airborne moving target indication in the coming years,” said Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Andrew Hunter.
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The rapid prototyping program is expected to leverage existing requirements from other E-7s supplied to partner nations, thereby creating interoperability and streamlining processes.
Using a 737-700 as its airborne platform, the Wedgetail uses an advanced multi-role electronically scanned array radar that will enhance airborne battle management.
The E-7 AEW&C is currently in service with the Royal Australian Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force (designated E-737 Peace Eye) and Turkish Air Force (designated E-7T Peace Eagle). It will also be adopted by the United Kingdom, which will receive the first aircraft by the end of 2024.
While the E-7s are waiting for their completion, the USAF will continue to modernize the E-3s to keep them operational.
