Credit: E-7A Rendering by Boeing
The U.S. Air Force is taking a significant step forward with its recent purchase agreement for the E-7A Wedgetail aircraft, a decision that promises to enhance the branch’s battle management and command capabilities.
On August 9, a deal worth $2.56 billion was signed with Boeing to acquire two prototype E-7A platforms. These aircraft are scheduled for delivery by fiscal year 2028.
Andrew Hunter, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, highlighted the significance of this move. He emphasized that the deal is pivotal for maintaining advanced airborne target indication capabilities.
After months of negotiation, the price was finally settled, though the agreed amount remains undisclosed.
Frank Kendall, the Secretary of the Air Force, had pointed out earlier in the year that disagreements over pricing had delayed the acquisition.
Despite these initial financial hang-ups, both parties have now reached a mutually agreed-upon figure.
The contract outlines that Boeing, which designed the original E-7 for the Royal Australian Air Force, will adapt these aircraft to meet U.S. Air Force specifications.
One of the key features of the E-7A is its ability to provide moving target indication capabilities. This asset makes the E-7A a crucial element in the Department of the Air Force’s vision for a connected sensor and shooter network.
Such a network will be fundamental in the Pentagon’s Combined All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) strategy.
In essence, the E-7A is designed to cover vast distances, especially across the Pacific, by linking various sensors and shooters.
The introduction of the E-7A marks the beginning of the end for the E-3 Sentry AWACS. The E-3 has been an integral part of the Air Force since about the 1970s but has started showing its age, particularly due to radar obsolescence and maintenance difficulties associated with its 1950s-era airframe.
On the brighter side, the new E-7A incorporates modern technology, including an advanced radar system developed by Northrop Grumman and is built on the more current Boeing 737-700 NG airframe.
With various nations already operating their versions of the E-7, including Australia, South Korea, and Turkey, the U.S. Air Force isn’t venturing into entirely uncharted territory.
Indeed, there has been an active exchange program since 2022 that allows U.S. Air Force personnel to train alongside their Australian counterparts.
According to Major Oliver Ngayan, an E-7A Wedgetail air battle manager, this training has been instrumental in familiarizing U.S. crews with the platform.
The Air Force’s commitment extends beyond just acquisition. The contract with Boeing also encompasses lifecycle development, training, and support.
For now, the Air Force plans a fleet of 26 E-7As. These prototypes aim to guide future production decisions expected around FY 2026.
Long-term projections by the Department of the Air Force indicate a potential shift to space-based systems to replace current AWACS aircraft, including the E-3 and eventually the E-7.
This transition would further improve the overarching goal of comprehensive surveillance and target indication capabilities without relying solely on aircraft.
