Leonardo assists NATO AWACS overhaul
One of the 14 aircraft in the NATO fleet of E-3A Sentry AWACS aircraft. (Photo: Boeing)
Leonardo will provide a hardware upgrade for the NATO E-3A Sentry fleet under a subcontract from Boeing.
As lead contractor for the NATO Final Lifetime Extension Programme (FLEP) for the alliance’s fleet of E-3A Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, Boeing has chosen Leonardo to provide a hardware upgrade for the first test aircraft.
‘The activity, to be completed within 2023, includes the installation and checkout of newly developed hardware,’ Leonardo announced on 21 May.
The company will then provide support during the final test phase at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen (home to the 14 AWACS aircraft operated by the alliance).
Leonardo announced in April that its new SWave SRT-800 software-defined radio will equip the NATO AWACS fleet.
The NATO AEWC Program Management Agency oversees FLEP. The programme aims to ensure the NATO E-3A fleet remains in service until 2035 and potentially beyond, by addressing mandated upgrades for communications systems, mission computing hardware and software.
NATO E-3A AWACS fleet received a communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management modification upgrade between 2016 and 2019, Shephard Defence Insight notes.
More from Military Logistics
-
![Rolls-Royce gains major deal to support T-45 Goshawk engine]()
Rolls-Royce gains major deal to support T-45 Goshawk engine
New contract to support the Ardour turbofan is worth more than $1 billion.
-
![Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations]()
Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations
A pair of A330s will be converted by Airbus for aerial refuelling, logistical support, humanitarian aid, and medical evacuations.
-
![General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels]()
General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels
The latest $1.4 billion contract modification for General Dynamics NASSCO covers a new Expeditionary Sea Base ship and two more John Lewis-class fleet oilers.
-
![Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements]()
Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements
New MRO contract between Boeing Defence Australia and RUAG Australia replaces work previously done in the US.
-
![SEA to extend NSIPS to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and Type 45 destroyers]()
SEA to extend NSIPS to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and Type 45 destroyers
A systems integration contract for UK RN submarines is being extended to major surface vessels.
-
![USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships]()
USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships
Austal USA is to build two additional Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue ships for the USN, after Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) exercised a $156.17 …
