UK E-7 Wedgetail delay down to a “technology issue”, as MoD grapples with slipping timelines
The E-7 Wedgetail aircraft is expected to be delivered to the UK Royal Air Force this year. (Photo: USAF)
The delayed E-7 Wedgetail aircraft programme has come under fire again, as the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) wrestles with overseeing the delivery of key major defence programmes.
During a Defence Committee meeting on 17 March, Rupert Pearce, national armaments director at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that Boeing had been a “troubled partner” as the programme faced significant delays.
“They are working very hard…but as we know, they have had difficulties inside their own aircraft programmes,” Pearce said. “That has led to a much higher level of scrutiny at the certification process inside Boeing. That is not a bad
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms
The manufacturer is betting heavily on the demand for uncrewed systems, revealing the uncrewed H145M – known as the U145 – and the U760 Ravenstorm at ILA Berlin 2026 as the two latest additions to its expanding UAV offering.
-
FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?
While the New Generation Fighter pillar of the Franco-German-Spanish programme is now officially dead in the water, Germany’s ambition to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet remains – with the country serving as a financially attractive potential partner for other programmes.
-
France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market
France is estimated to be Europe’s second-highest spender on UAVs, with a market focused on domestic production, loitering munitions and lower-cost sovereign systems. Its spending profile highlights substantial future market opportunities while reflecting broader industry trends.