Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

NATO’s E-3A fleet more important than ever, says force commander

18th April 2024 - 10:27 GMT | by Damian Kemp in London

RSS

NATO E-3A operations have stepped up a notch since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. (Photo: NATO)

NATO’s E-3A fleet will have been in service for more than half a century by the time of their expected retirement but a boost to the capability and conflict elsewhere have highlighted their importance.

NATO’s E-3A AWACS fleet may need to operate beyond its retirement date of 2035, depending on the introduction of replacement E-7 aircraft, and while it will have the technological capability the battle remains to sustain an ageing airframe and engines, according to NATO’s AEW commander.

The E-3As have been in service for more than four decades and as the US rapidly retires its fleet NATO is set to become the largest operator of the type with 14 aircraft in its fleet.

The platform has undergone a shift in operational concepts since the end of the Warsaw Pact but, according to

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Author

Damian Kemp

Damian Kemp has worked in the defence media for 25 years covering military aircraft, defence …

Read full bio

More from Air Warfare

DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)

Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service

The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
DSEI 2025: Helsing and Systematic join forces to revolutionise drone recce-strike missions

The partnership will integrate Helsing’s AI-powered systems with the Systematic SitaWare suite of C4ISR currently used by more than 50 nations, enabling faster data exchange between ISR UAVs and Helsing’s HX-2 loitering munitions.
Finland secures possible $1.07 billion AMRAAM deal with US State Department

The Nordic country is set to bolster its defence capabilities after its foreign military sales request for AIM-120D-3 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs) was approved.
DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine

The programme will work to build and deploy the drones to Ukraine to support its fight against Russia, coming a day after Poland shot down 19 Russian drones in its airspace.
DSEI 2025: NATO members evaluate Black Widow UAV as it joins NSPA catalogue

The addition of Red Cat’s Black Widow to NATO’s NSPA catalogue opens the doors for allied forces to more easily procure the AI-enabled drone.