NATO AWACS follow-on programme moves towards risk reduction study
NATO is replacing its fleet of E-3A Sentry AWACS aircraft by 2035. (Photo: NATO)
L3Harris will team with European companies to mature a concept for the NATO Alliance Future Surveillance and Control programme.
L3Harris Technologies is leading an industry team to develop ‘data-centric, platform-agnostic’ surveillance concepts to replace the NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet by the mid-2030s.
The US company is creating ‘system of systems’ options with European partners for surveillance and control capabilities in the NATO Alliance Future Surveillance and Control programme.
It could leverage its experience in developing concepts for the US Joint All Domain Command and Control programme.
‘International team members will be announced at a future date,’ L3Harris added in a 19 July announcement. Together with international teammates, it delivered a high-level technical concept study to NATO in 2020 as one of six suppliers. The study covered all aspects of multidomain surveillance and control over the full spectrum of benign, permissive, contested and denied operational environments.
Charles Davis, VP International at L3Harris, said: ‘The team has approached the Risk Reduction Feasibility Study phase with an open mind towards the platforms and digital architectures that will best achieve NATO’s objectives.’
The NATO AWACS fleet of E-3A Sentry aircraft is undergoing a Final Lifetime Extension Programme to keep them in service until 2035, with Boeing acting as prime contractor.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (1-6) [NATO]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability
The tests between a Republic of Singapore Air Force H225M and Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system were designed to allow the crew to receive and process real-time data from the UAS while maintaining direct command and control.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight
The Swedish government is expected to make a decision on the next steps of the Future Fighter System Concept programme by 2030, with the current second phase focusing on technology knowledge expansion and demonstration flights.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
-
![India confronts widening military helicopter gap as border demands intensify]()
India confronts widening military helicopter gap as border demands intensify
India’s major helicopter programmes are under the spotlight as the country turns to global partners to replace legacy helicopters with growing urgency.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is the most mature CCA platform currently under development, with Boeing looking to accelerate its timelines and development of the aircraft.
-
![Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets]()
Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets
The Mexican Air Force has become the first Latin American operator of the C-130J Super Hercules, but the service is not alone in acquiring a tactical airlifter in recent months.
