US approves $4.9 billion E-7 AEW&C sale to South Korea
The Boeing E-7 AEW&C aircraft will join South Korea’s existing fleet of four E-7 ‘Peace Eye’ aircraft. (Photo: Boeing)
The purchase of the four aircraft will also include 10 CFM56 engines, alongside aircraft countermeasures, GPS navigation systems, and related logistic and programme support.
The US Department of State has approved South Korea’s request to buy four E-7 Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft at an estimated cost of US$4.9 billion.
The purchase of the aircraft will also include 10 CFM56 engines, eight installed on the aircraft and two spare, GPS navigation systems, aircraft countermeasures and radio systems alongside related logistic and programme support.
The sale to South Korea will serve to support the US’ foreign policy goals and national security objectives “by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region”, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.
The E-7 Wedgetail as an AEW&C aircraft will also, according to the DSCA, increase South Korea’s C4ISR interoperability with the US, as well as improve the country’s own intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and AEW&C capabilities.
Boeing will be the primary contractor for the deal and Congress have been informed of the sale, the DSCA added.
The announcement came at a time when South Korea was looking to expand its AEW&C fleet by adding to its four E-7 ‘Peace Eye’ aircraft. Boeing’s E-7 ‘Wedgetail’ is one of three competitors for the AEW&C II requirement, with the other two being Saab’s GlobalEye and IAI’s business jet solution.
In October, Saab signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) which would allow for KAI to support Saab in delivering its GlobalEye aircraft should it be selected for the AEW&C II programme.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Spain air report: Demand builds with $19.7 billion up for grabs in unawarded contracts]()
Spain air report: Demand builds with $19.7 billion up for grabs in unawarded contracts
Despite Spain’s modest GDP spend on defence, the country still has a range of fixed-wing and UAV programme requirements as yet unawarded, with a potential US$3.10 billion set to be spent over the next decade.
-
![Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026]()
Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026
The aerospace company’s 2025 performance figures revealed significant orders from various European armed forces and a boost in demand for its uncrewed offerings.
-
![January Drone Digest: MALE, rotary-wing and loitering munition UAVs dominate early 2026]()
January Drone Digest: MALE, rotary-wing and loitering munition UAVs dominate early 2026
The first month of 2026 has seen activity in the MALE, rotary-wing, and loitering munition UAV markets, with significant investments and commitments from Germany, Turkey, the UAE and the US. At the same time, questions over loitering munition performance in Ukraine highlight the growing scrutiny alongside rising demand.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities
While an estimated $37.99bn is still to be awarded across the Asia-Pacific uncrewed aerial vehicle market, the balance of potential future spending is unevenly split between various countries, with significant opportunities to be found in the collaborative combat aircraft space.
-
![British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026]()
British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026
Known as Project Nyx, the loyal wingman developed from this initiative will accompany the Apache 64-E and be used to complement tanks and artillery.
