Boeing has been awarded a $2.56 billion contract by the U.S. Air Force to develop two rapid prototype E-7A Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Wedgetail aircraft.
The contract encompasses the lifecycle development, training, and support for the U.S. Air Force’s E-7A fleet, marking a significant step in bolstering the nation’s airborne surveillance capabilities.
The E-7A Wedgetail is a combat-proven platform providing advanced tracking and battle management command-and-control capabilities, giving joint forces a critical “first to detect, first to engage” advantage. Currently in service with the Royal Australian Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force, and Turkish Air Force, the E-7A has demonstrated its value as a key asset in maintaining air superiority in modern combat scenarios.
“Global operators are proving that the E-7 AEW&C is a critical node for air superiority in the modern battlespace,” said Stu Voboril, Boeing Vice President and E-7 Program Manager. “In our partnership with the U.S. Air Force, we’re focused on stable, predictable execution to deliver crucial mission-ready capabilities today. This will put us on the path for the long-term growth of the aircraft and mission.”
Built on the Boeing 737-700 NG airframe, the E-7A AEW&C aircraft offers advantages such as lower operating and sustainment costs, higher mission readiness rates, and unparalleled interoperability among a growing global user community. This adaptability is further enhanced by Boeing’s open systems architecture, allowing for rapid insertion of new capabilities as threats evolve.
“Our customers have an urgent need for integrated battlespace awareness and battle management,” added Dan Gillian, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing Defense, Space & Security’s Mobility, Surveillance & Bombers division. “The E-7A is the airspace lynchpin to continuously scan the skies, command and control the battlespace, and integrate all-domain data providing a decisive advantage against threats.”
The U.S. Air Force’s E-7A program is part of a broader global effort to enhance airborne early warning and control capabilities. In addition to the rapid prototypes being developed for the U.S., Boeing is also producing three E-7As for the Royal Air Force, with military modifications underway in the United Kingdom. Moreover, NATO has selected the E-7A as its preferred AEW&C solution.