USAF evaluates potential E-7A upgrades
The contract for the E-7A, also known as the 737 AEW&C, was signed between the USAF and Boeing in August 2024. (Photo: Boeing)
The US Air Force (USAF) is considering a variety of sensor and electronic warfare suite upgrades on the E-7A aircraft a recent Request for Information (RFI) notice from the US Government has disclosed.
The USAF is set to replace its ageing Boeing E-3 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft with the company’s E-7A aircraft, reaching a deal in July 2024.
The deal, officially signed in August 2024, announced the acquisition of two E-7A aircraft for US$2.6 billion. Another 24 more aircraft are expected to be acquired by 2032, bringing its total number to 26.
Despite not yet having any E-7
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
-
AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX
Two new uncrewed aircraft concepts target very different US military requirements, from massed long-range strike to autonomous logistics. Shephard spoke with executives from Swarm Aero, Textron Aviation and Merlin Labs at this year's AFA Air, Space and Cyber conference to learn more about their capabilities.
-
Could the next UAS market boom take place beyond the battlefield?
While the headlines remain dominated by the use of drones for combat operations in Ukraine and other conflicts, there are emerging use cases where the technology could usefully feed back into areas and missions outside the war zone.
-
How geopolitics and new military alliances are disrupting combat aircraft procurement
Selection of fighter aircraft by national governments has always been political. As markets and allegiances shift against a background of global realignment, who will be the winners and losers as new entrants compete with established suppliers?
-
Singapore’s interest in GCAP reflects its long-term approach to air power
A potential interest in joining GCAP is indicative of Singapore’s long-term and methodical approach to defence procurement and could benefit its local defence industry.