Wedgetail takes part in first USAF-RAAF operational integration exercise
USAF identified the E-7 as being ‘the only platform being capable of meeting the requirements’ to replace its E-3 fleet. (Photo: USAF/Trevor Bell)
The USAF tested the operational integration capabilities of the RAAF’s E-7A Wedgetail during the recent Black Flag 22-1 exercise.
The USAF conducted Exercise Black Flag 22-1 with four branches of the US military and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in a first coalition test environment from 9-13 of May.
The RAAF E-7A Wedgetail was subjected to tests of its operational integration capabilities during the exercise.
This was not the first time the RAAF has integrated the E-7A with the USAF, but it was the first occasion the aircraft has taken part in a test exercise.
The USAF began the formal replacement programme of its ageing 31-strong fleet of Boeing E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft in April this year.
Although the contract is expected to be awarded in FY2023, the USAF identified the E-7 as being ‘the only platform being capable of meeting the requirements’ to replace the E-3.
Other customers for the E-7 are South Korea (Peace Eye) and Turkey (Peace Eagle).
The UK has also ordered three aircraft for the replacement of the E-3 Sentry AWACs aircraft. The Wedgetail is expected to enter service with the RAF in 2023 with an OSD of 2024, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Pentagon’s 800% PAC-3 MSE surge faces production bottleneck as Patriot demand soars]()
Pentagon’s 800% PAC-3 MSE surge faces production bottleneck as Patriot demand soars
The Pentagon wants to procure 3,203 PAC-3 MSE interceptors in FY2027, but production constraints and international demand could impact efforts to rebuild depleted missile stocks.
-
![AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus]()
AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus
While a potentially accelerated acquisition timeline could strengthen the RAAF’s long-range air combat capability, Canberra’s continued reliance on US missile production is also put under the spotlight in parallel to its push to build a sovereign industry.
-
![Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?]()
Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?
Demand signals for counter-drone technology are strong and the market is becoming crowded, but is this really the beginning of a new phase of warfare or will commentators be talking about something else 10 years from now?
