Contract signed for delayed US Air Force E-7A deal
Boeing to begin development of USAF E-7. (Image: Boeing)
The UK and US have ordered the Boeing 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system which is already operated by Australia (E-7 Wedgetail), South Korea (Peace Eye) and Turkey (Peace Eagle).
Boeing has been awarded US$2.6 billion contract by the US Air Force (USAF) for two rapid prototype E-7A AEW&C aircraft which includes lifecycle development, training and support for the US Air Force’s E-7A fleet.
This makes the US the fifth contract customer alongside Australia, South Korea, Turkey and the UK, with NATO also selecting the aircraft. The US version is expected to have a substantial improvement over existing versions with a focus on battle management and control.
The US version is an interim measure between the retirement of ageing Boeing E-3 Sentry aircraft and the introduction of an Advanced Moving Target Indicator
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 Land Warfare
-
![Italian Army advances plans for 155m wheeled artillery fleet]()
Italian Army advances plans for 155m wheeled artillery fleet
With a requirement for 60 systems, the Italian Army is preparing to complement its tracked artillery with a modern wheeled solution based on domestic industry.
-
![Europe’s eastern flank moves on air defence radars with wider efforts also underway]()
Europe’s eastern flank moves on air defence radars with wider efforts also underway
Air defence radars have become more important assets in the past year with incursions in NATO countries on Europe’s eastern flank highlighting the need.
-
![Australia’s SM-2 land trial could reshape ADF medium-range air defence plans]()
Australia’s SM-2 land trial could reshape ADF medium-range air defence plans
The first ground launch of the SM-2 could offer Canberra a path to expand its missile defence capability by adapting systems already fielded across the ADF.
-
![UK hits pause on deployable mortar system procurement as US begins search]()
UK hits pause on deployable mortar system procurement as US begins search
The US Army's market survey into available 81mm and 120mm mobile mortar systems was launched only a few days after the UK suspended Project Stokes, an almost identical plan, “pending future decisions on prioritisation, resourcing and funding”.
-
![New teams form to compete for British Army Land Rover replacement]()
New teams form to compete for British Army Land Rover replacement
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme Light Mobility Vehicle requirement is designed to replace the British Army’s ageing fleet of Land Rovers with a vehicle with a Gross Vehicular Mass of less than 3,500kg. It could be for as many as 6,000 vehicles.
-
![FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence]()
FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence
At FIA 2026, MBDA launched its Counter Mass Interceptor (CMI) which the company says is a mass-producible, low-cost effector for fire-and-forget engagements at range and altitude.
