USAF reiterates interest in Wedgetail
An RAAF Boeing E-7A Wedgetail, pictured flying over Iraq in April 2020. (Photo: USAF/Staff Sgt Daniel Snider)
The USAF is interested in a near-term procurement of the Airborne Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) radar-equipped Boeing E-7A Wedgetail, which is already operational with the Royal Australian Air Force and is entering service with the RAF as the Wedgetail AEW1 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform.
Wedgetail has been studied by the USAF as an interim measure between the retirement of ageing Boeing E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft and the introduction of an AMTI capability on satellites or networks of distributed sensors linked by the Advanced Battle Management System.
Speaking on 21 September
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
What lessons could Europe learn from air power use in Ukraine?
The use of air power by both sides in the ongoing conflict has been extensively focused on, influencing policy and procurement around the world. But are the lessons from the front line universally applicable, or should other nations be planning for very different scenarios?
-
Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft
Six Super Tucano aircraft were ordered in July 2024, with Paraguay the fifth South American country to add the aircraft to modernise its fleet.
-
Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production
The takeover of the Italian firm by Baykar solidifies the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with Italian industry, bolsters its partnership with Leonardo to produce UAVs and secures its foothold in Europe.
-
US budget boosts Boeing’s F-15EX with $3.1 billion investment to increase fleet to 129
The F-15EX Eagle II had already been singled out for further funding in January 2025, when it was chosen to replace the A-10 aircraft for the US National Guard.
-
Spain earmarks $1.6 billion for Hurjet trainer aircraft acquisition
Spain’s Defence Minister told the Senate Defense Commission on 27 June of the decision to acquire Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) trainers as the country seeks to replace its Northrop F-5M aircraft.
-
Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight
The company has tested over 15 mission sets for the drone, with the rotorcraft used to demonstrate the viability of armed forces utilising large uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS) for autonomous missions in the future.