Internationale AEW&C ontwikkelingen

[Harald]

Breaking News: U.S. MQ-9 Drone Considered by UK for Airborne Early Warning Role on British Navy Aircraft Carriers.

On May 19, 2025, following a formal inquiry submitted by Conservative Member of British Parliament Ben Obese-Jecty, Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry in the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence, confirmed that the US-made General Atomics MQ-9 unmanned aerial system (UAS) can be modified for operations from the British Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. This assessment was carried out under the auspices of the MQ-9 International Cooperation Support Partnership, of which the United Kingdom is a signatory. As such, the MQ-9 is now being actively considered as a candidate to fulfill the British Royal Navy's future Carrier Strike Airborne Early Warning (AEW) requirement

Presently, the AEW (Airborne Early Warning) mission for the British Royal Navy is conducted by the Merlin HM2 helicopter outfitted with the Crowsnest system. Developed by AgustaWestland, the Merlin HM2 is a sophisticated, multi-role maritime helicopter, extensively used for anti-submarine warfare, surface surveillance, and search and rescue operations. In its AEW configuration, it is equipped with the Thales Searchwater 2000 radar housed in a rotating side-mounted dome, providing airborne surveillance, target tracking, and battlespace management in support of the UK's carrier strike groups. However, with the Crowsnest system and its host aircraft approaching the end of their operational life, the Ministry of Defence is seeking a modern and sustainable alternative capable of meeting the demands of future naval warfare.

Replacing this manned rotary-wing system with an unmanned fixed-wing solution, such as the American-made MQ-9 presents multiple strategic advantages. These include significantly increased operational endurance, the ability to maintain persistent surveillance over wider maritime areas, reduced crew risk, and lower operating costs. The introduction of an unmanned platform for AEW duties would be a milestone in the evolution of the British Royal Navy's aviation capabilities, aligning with broader trends among NATO allies in favor of advanced autonomous systems.

The MQ-9, manufactured by the US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drone renowned for its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles. Featuring a wingspan of more than 20 meters and capable of flying for over 27 hours, the MQ-9 can carry a suite of advanced sensors, communication systems, and mission payloads. The MQ-9B variant, including the Mojave short takeoff and landing (STOL) configuration, has been specifically engineered for expeditionary operations, incorporating ruggedized landing gear and high-lift wings suitable for operations from short runways and even aircraft carrier decks lacking catapults or arrestor systems.

The British Royal Air Force currently operates the MQ-9A Reaper and is in the process of transitioning to the MQ-9B SkyGuardian under the Protector RG Mk1 programme. This pre-existing integration of the MQ-9 platform into British military service provides a well-established foundation for its expansion into naval applications. Experience gained by the Royal Air Force in using MQ-9 systems in combat theatres such as Afghanistan and Iraq underscores the platform's maturity and operational reliability.

In support of aircraft carrier adaptation, American Company General Atomics successfully demonstrated the MQ-9B Mojave's short takeoff and landing capabilities aboard HMS Prince of Wales in 2023. During these trials, the aircraft executed multiple deck operations, validating the feasibility of UAS integration with the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers. These trials also align with Project Ark Royal, a British Royal Navy initiative investigating the permanent integration of fixed-wing unmanned systems into future carrier air wings. This effort envisions upgrades such as angled decks and improved launch and recovery technologies to accommodate a broader spectrum of aircraft, including unmanned systems.

Should the MQ-9 be formally selected for the Carrier Strike AEW role, it would mark a transformative shift in British naval aviation. The platform's unmatched endurance and broad sensor coverage would allow for continuous monitoring of vast ocean areas, significantly enhancing threat detection, force protection, and situational awareness for carrier strike groups. With the withdrawal of the Crowsnest system on the horizon, the integration of a proven, unmanned AEW asset like the MQ-9 could ensure the British Royal Navy remains at the forefront of maritime air power in the 21st century.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2025/breaking-news-u-s-mq-9-drone-considered-by-uk-for-airborne-early-warning-role-on-british-navy-queen-elizabeth-class-carriers


The MQ-9 Mojave Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), developed by the American Company General Atomics, seen on the flight deck of HMS Prince of Wales during a landmark demonstration on 15th November 2023, validating short takeoff and landing operations from a British Royal Navy aircraft carrier.

[Sparkplug]

Pentagon Review Threatens E-7A Acquisition Plan, Sources Say

Steve Trimble May 12, 2025


Boeing E-7 AEWC
Credit: Boeing

The U.S. Air Force plan to buy 26 Boeing E-7A Wedgetail aircraft faces a cancellation threat as the U.S. Defense Department finalizes the fiscal 2026 budget request, sources say.

The internal debate focuses around Pentagon proposals to cancel the E-7A budget and rely on satellites to perform the airborne moving target indicator (AMTI) radar function, sources tell Aviation Week.

But the proposal faces resistance within the Air Force based on the necessity of the battle management and command and control (BMC2) function, sources say.

.../...

https://aviationweek.com/defense/multi-mission-aircraft/pentagon-review-threatens-e-7a-acquisition-plan-sources-say

[Harald]

Denmark could purchase up to four S 106 GlobalEye early warning aircraft in a future deal with Sweden to support coverage in the Arctic.

On April 10, 2025, the Swedish government submitted a proposal in its spring 2025 budget to authorize the government to enter into a bilateral agreement with Denmark for the sale of up to four S 106 GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems and associated support equipment. The proposed transaction is intended to be conducted as a government-to-government sale in response to Denmark's stated requirement to improve its airborne radar surveillance capabilities.

Like the Gripen proposal for Peru, the Swedish government's request includes parliamentary authorization to carry out the agreement, which would involve Sweden ordering and delivering the systems. Revenues from the sale are expected to cover all related costs incurred by the Swedish state. The proposal builds on an existing defense cooperation framework between Sweden and Denmark.

The S 106 GlobalEye is the designation used by the Swedish Air Force for the Saab GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft. The system is based on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 long-range business jet and integrates Saab's Erieye Extended Range (ER) radar with a range of sensors and a multi-domain command and control (C2) system. The platform is designed to conduct simultaneous surveillance operations in air, sea, and land domains. Key operational features include a radar detection range exceeding 458 kilometers from an altitude of 35,000 feet, endurance of more than 11 hours, and the ability to detect both low- and high-altitude targets. The Erieye ER radar uses an Adaptive Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) design, offering improved performance under electronic countermeasures and in cluttered environments.

GlobalEye's sensors include the Seaspray 7500E maritime surveillance radar from Leonardo, capable of detecting small vessels and periscopes. The platform also integrates electro-optical and infrared systems, ground moving target indication (GMTI) radar, and systems for electronic support and signals intelligence. Additional onboard systems include automatic identification system (AIS), inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR), and identity friend or foe (IFF) and ADS-B. Data transmission is supported by voice and satellite communications and dedicated datalinks. The aircraft can operate with onboard crew at five workstations or transmit surveillance data in real time to ground stations. The platform includes a full self-protection suite with radar and laser warning receivers and countermeasures dispensers. The aircraft also has a six-seat rest area and is configured to maintain low cabin noise and pressure altitude.

The GlobalEye program was launched by Saab in February 2016 in response to market interest. Saab obtained a supplemental type certificate to modify the Global 6000 airframe and began production at its Linköping facility. Modifications include structural reinforcements, installation of sensors and electronics, aerodynamic changes, and additional power and cooling systems. The first aircraft was unveiled on February 23, 2018, and made its first flight on March 14, 2018. As of early 2018, Saab estimated a production capacity of three aircraft per year, with delivery beginning three years after contract signing. By July 2018, the first aircraft was flying frequently as part of a test campaign, and by May 2019, flight testing for certification was nearing completion.

The Erieye ER radar mounted on the GlobalEye is a ten-meter AESA system positioned atop the fuselage. Saab reports an approximate detection range of up to 550 kilometers at 35,000 feet and notes a 70 percent improvement in range compared to earlier Erieye variants. The GlobalEye also includes onboard mission systems with modular functionality. Variants have been proposed with increasing levels of capability, from standard AESA and C2 configurations to versions incorporating infrared sensors and dedicated signals intelligence suites.

The United Arab Emirates is currently the sole operator of GlobalEye, having procured five aircraft between 2015 and 2021. Deliveries occurred in April 2020, September 2020, February 2021, April 2024, and September 2024. The total value of the five-aircraft deal is approximately 23 billion Swedish kronor (SEK). The UAE refers to its system as the Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS). Saab has also signed a support contract with the UAE Ministry of Defence covering in-service support through 2026, valued at approximately USD 190 million.

Sweden has also ordered three GlobalEye aircraft. In June 2022, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) signed a contract for two units with a total value of SEK 7.3 billion, with delivery planned in 2027. In June 2024, FMV exercised the option to procure a third aircraft to replace two Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft transferred to Ukraine. The Swedish designation for the platform is S 106.

Denmark is one of several countries engaged in ongoing discussions with Sweden regarding the potential procurement of GlobalEye. In January 2025, Sweden's Minister for Defence, Pål Jonson, confirmed that Sweden was in negotiations with Denmark and Finland for a possible joint acquisition of the system. Discussions were advanced during the January 2025 National Security Conference in Sälen. At the same event, Sweden's opposition leader, Magdalena Andersson, called for closer Nordic cooperation in surveillance and proposed a fourth aircraft be jointly procured to support coverage from the Baltic Sea to the Arctic and Greenland. Finland, while not currently a confirmed buyer, indicated interest in seconding personnel to Sweden's GlobalEye unit with a view to a future purchase if funding becomes available.

GlobalEye has also been offered to several other potential customers. Canada is considering the platform among alternatives, including the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, in a potential AEW&C acquisition with a reported budget of USD 3.65 billion. In France, Saab has presented the system as a replacement for the E-3 Sentry, with cooperation frameworks established as part of a 2024 bilateral strategic innovation partnership. Greece and South Korea have been approached with proposals as well. In October 2024, Saab and Korea Aerospace Industries signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on the South Korean AEW&C II program, including industrial cooperation and technology transfer.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/denmark-could-purchase-up-to-four-s-106-globaleye-early-warning-aircraft-in-a-future-deal-with-sweden-to-support-coverage-in-the-arctic


Key operational features of the GlobalEye include a radar detection range exceeding 458 kilometers from an altitude of 35,000 feet, endurance of more than 11 hours, and the ability to detect both low- and high-altitude targets.


The Erieye ER radar uses an Adaptive Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) design, offering improved performance under electronic countermeasures and in cluttered environments.


The GlobalEye is based on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 long-range business jet and integrates Saab's Erieye Extended Range (ER) radar with a range of sensors and a multi-domain command and control (C2) system.

[Harald]

US approves sale of EA-37B Compass Call Electronic Warfare Aircraft to Italy.

According to information published by the US government on October 7, 2024, the U.S. State Department has approved a $680 million Foreign Military Sale to Italy, allowing the Italian Air Force to acquire the EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft.

The approval of the $680 million EA-37B Compass Call aircraft sale to Italy is a significant step in modernizing the Italian Air Force's electronic warfare capabilities. The EA-37B, built on a modified Gulfstream G550 platform, is a cutting-edge electronic attack aircraft that enhances the ability to disrupt and degrade enemy communications, radar systems, and navigation. This sale will bolster Italy's capability to perform sophisticated airborne electromagnetic attacks, ensuring the country remains equipped to counter emerging threats and integrate seamlessly with U.S. and NATO forces during joint operations�.

The EA-37B will replace the older EC-130H Compass Call, offering superior performance with a more advanced mission system. It carries subsystems for network-centric targeting, encrypted communications, radar countermeasures, and precision navigation. This next-generation aircraft is also optimized for a smaller crew of nine, down from the EC-130H's thirteen, improving operational efficiency while delivering greater electronic warfare capabilities. The upgraded platform enables Italy to align with the U.S. Air Force's modernization efforts, supporting the shift to smaller, more agile, and technologically advanced fleets.

Strategically, the sale will strengthen NATO's southern flank. Italy's geographical location in the Mediterranean makes it a crucial player in regional defense and crisis response, particularly in scenarios where air superiority and electronic warfare are decisive. The EA-37B's capabilities will support NATO in countering sophisticated adversary systems, enhancing collective defense by integrating Italy's electronic warfare strategies with those of other NATO members. It reflects broader U.S. policy objectives of reinforcing the military infrastructure of key allies to maintain balance in the region against emerging threats such as Russia.

On an industrial level, the deal involves U.S. defense contractors like BAE Systems, providing mission equipment, and L3Harris, which integrates these systems. The sale demonstrates the U.S. defense industry's role in equipping international partners and advancing technological capabilities globally. Italy's acquisition aligns with its ongoing efforts to expand its fleet of G550-based aircraft, which includes existing airborne early warning and reconnaissance platforms. This purchase will likely create further opportunities for Italy to collaborate on maintenance, training, and future upgrades.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2024/us-approves-sale-of-ea-37b-compass-call-electronic-warfare-aircraft-to-italy

[Harald]

Saab and KAI join forces for South Korea's AEW&C II program

Saab and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering South Korea's airborne surveillance capabilities. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising their commitment to collaborate on South Korea's Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) II competition. This agreement highlights Saab's proposal of their globally recognised GlobalEye system as the optimal solution for South Korea's AEW&C needs.

This partnership leverages the expertise of both industry leaders. Saab, renowned for their advanced airborne surveillance technology, will provide their cutting-edge GlobalEye system. This system, already operational with the UAE, promises enhanced performance, cost-efficiency, and mission effectiveness compared to existing platforms. KAI, a cornerstone of the Korean defence aviation industry, will bring their extensive experience in aircraft modification and integration to the forefront.

Under this partnership, KAI will spearhead the transformation of the Global 6500 business jet into a GlobalEye AEW&C special mission aircraft, undertaking crucial tasks such as airframe modification, system installation, testing, and integration. This collaborative effort will not only ensure the timely delivery of AEW&C II aircraft to the ROK Air Force but will also facilitate a transfer of critical technology and knowledge to South Korea. This transfer of technology is a key aspect of the partnership, as it will empower KAI to independently modify, maintain, and repair the GlobalEye system, ensuring South Korea's self-sufficiency in airborne surveillance.

This strategic partnership brings several key advantages to the forefront. Firstly, it is set to significantly enhance South Korea's domestic capacity in critical radar technology. This enhanced domestic capability will be crucial in ensuring South Korea's strategic independence in airborne surveillance. Further solidifying this long-term vision, the collaboration goes beyond the AEW&C II programme, laying the foundation for future domestic AEW&C projects and other special mission aircraft programmes in South Korea. This commitment to sustained collaboration will allow for the continuous development of KAI's capabilities, positioning them at the forefront of special mission aircraft research and development in South Korea.

Saab's decision to select KAI as their partner underscores the South Korean company's stellar reputation in the aerospace domain. KAI's proven track record in successfully managing complex projects, including the AEW&C I programme, the P-3CK MPA upgrade programme, and the ongoing Baekdu Capability enhancement II programme, makes them the ideal choice for this venture.

https://alert5.com/2024/10/02/saab-and-kai-join-forces-for-south-koreas-aewc-ii-program/#more-100430

[Sparkplug]

First flight RAF Wedgetail

Published: 22 September 2024 Last Updated: 22 September 2024


Credit photo: RAF

On 20 September 2024, the first Wedgetail AEW1 for the Royal Air Force (RAF) performed its maiden flight from Birmingham. In total three Boeing 737NG aircraft are undergoing conversion by STS Aviation Services at Birmingham to Wedgetail AEW1 standard. This company is working on this project together with the RAF, DE&S and Boeing.

The Royal Australian Air Force, United States Air Force and Royal Air Force also engaged in an agreement toward joint inoperatibility, development, evaluation & testing, sustainment, operations, training and safety. It is expected that the NATO Joint Airborne Early Warning (AEW) force at Geilenkirchen (Germany) will also join this agreement in due course, since it has been announced that the ageing E-3A Sentry fleet will be replaced by the E-7A Wedgetail.

During its first flight, Wedgetail AEW1 WT001 was still in (mostly green) primer. After the first functional flight testing phase is completed, it is planned for the aircraft to be painted in RAF livery in the autumn of this year. In the future all three RAF aircraft will fly out of RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. It was not announced when the first aircraft is expected to be delivered.

The identity of the first Wedgetail is still unconfirmed. Initially it was believed to be c/n 66840/9103 based on ADSB reports when the aircraft was visible during pre-first flight ground testing. Following its first flight c/n 38633/3329 is now also being quoted.

The RAF aircraft will be registered as WT001, WT002 and WT003, the previous identity is still to be confirmed

c/n 38633/3329, ex Boeing 737-73W (BBJ1), N1786B, N384BJ, B-5273, N946BC
c/n 40117/3701, ex Boeing 737-73W (BBJ1), N449BJ, VP-BOP, 2-BASG, N947BC
c/n 66840/9103, ex Boeing 737-7ES, N576JK

https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/first-flight-raf-wedgetail

[Harald]

Japan pushes ahead with plans to develop a new EW aircraft based on the Kawasaki P-1

The Japanese Ministry of Defense has requested $292.1 million (41.4 billion yen) for fiscal year 2025 to push ahead with plans to develop an electronic-warfare aircraft for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).



The MoD said the aircraft is necessary to strengthen electronic warfare support capabilities. In particular, it said that strengthening capabilities to gather information on electromagnetic waves is necessary for electronic jamming and electronic protection.

The budget request for the development of the electronic warfare aircraft for fiscal year 2025, which begins in April, follows the 14.1 billion yen secured for this fiscal year 2024.

At the budget request for this fiscal year in August 2023, the defense ministry also stressed that it needs to respond to the increasingly complex electronic warfare environment and strengthen capabilities in the electromagnetic domain necessary for cross-domain operations.

As Naval News previously reported, the new aircraft is expected to be the successor to the JMSDF's five EP-3 Orions, which are operated for signal intelligence—SIGINT (electronic intelligence—ELINT and communications intelligence—COMINT).

However, the EP-3, which is a variant of the aging P-3C maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), is expected to become more difficult to be maintained in the future.

Thus, the new electronic warfare aircraft will be developed based on the Kawasaki P-1, or the successor to the P-3C.

Looking at an image of the new aircraft released by the MoD in March on X, the aircraft has distinctive hemispherical bumps on the top of the fuselage and under the nose, which are radomes (dome that covers the radar) equipped with hump-like antenna fairings (coverings). This unique shape makes it clear at a glance that this is an aircraft for a special mission.

Based on the MoD document, the development prototype production will be conducted from fiscal year 2024 to 2031, and various technical tests for performance confirmation will be conducted from 2031 to 2033.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/09/japan-pushes-ahead-with-plans-to-develop-a-new-ew-aircraft-based-on-the-kawasaki-p-1/

[Harald]

Northrop Grumman signs MoU in pursuit of E-2D sale to Poland

Northrop Grumman has signed a memorandum of understanding with Polish company Exence and the Polish Air Force's Institute of Technology (ITWL) focused on delivering an airborne command-and-control (C2) capability for the Polish Air Force based on the company's E-2D airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.

The MoU was signed at the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Targi Kielce on 4 September 2024.



At first glance it may appear strange that Northrop Grumman is pushing the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AEW&C platform into the Polish market, as Poland already operates two Saab 340-based Erieye AEW&C aircraft, which were ordered in July 2023 and delivered in March and June this year. However, these platforms were purchased under an urgent operational requirement following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and are, in fact former Emirati AEW&C platforms that were retired in 2020. It is thus very likely that Poland will pursue a more comprehensive AEW&C solution.

Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman has already supplied Poland with components of its Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) as part of Poland's Wisła medium-range air defence capability, which achieved an initial operational capability in September 2023.

A key feature of IBCS is its ability to connect and fuse multi-service sensor data to multi-service weapons to produce joint all-domain command and control (JADC2) capabilities. IBCS would clearly integrate seamlessly with Northrop Grumman-supplied E-2Ds.

As well as the US Navy, the E-2D has been ordered by France and Japan.

https://euro-sd.com/2024/09/major-news/40297/ng-signs-mou-at-mspo/

[Sparkplug]

Boeing, U.S. Air Force Definitize Contract for Two Rapid Prototype E-7A Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Aircraft

• Contract includes lifecycle development, training, and support for the U.S. E-7A fleet
• Combat-proven Boeing E-7A Wedgetail provides unparalleled "first to detect, first to engage" advantage

[TUKWILA, WA., Aug 9, 2024] - Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $2.56 billion contract from the U.S. Air Force for two rapid prototype E-7A AEW&C Wedgetail aircraft. The contract includes lifecycle development, training and support for the Air Force's E-7A fleet.

The combat-proven E-7A Wedgetail provides targeted tracking and battle management command-and-control capabilities to joint forces for "first to detect, first to engage" advantage. The E-7 AEW&C platform is currently in service with the Royal Australian Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force (designated E-737 Peace Eye) and Turkish Air Force (designated E-7T Peace Eagle).

"Global operators are proving that the E-7 AEW&C is a critical node for air superiority in the modern battlespace," said Boeing Vice President and E-7 Program Manager Stu Voboril. "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-7 AEW&C aircraft offers lower operating and sustainment costs, higher mission readiness rates and unmatched interoperability among a growing global user community.

"Our customers have an urgent need for integrated battlespace awareness and battle management," said 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. With our open systems architecture approach, capabilities can be rapidly inserted over time as threats evolve."

In addition to the rapid prototype E-7A AEW&C aircraft being built for the U.S. Air Force, Boeing is currently producing three E-7As for the Royal Air Force, with military modifications underway in the United Kingdom. Additionally, NATO has selected the E-7A as its preferred AEW&C solution.

Together, the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and U.S. Air Force have a Wedgetail tri-lateral cooperation agreement relating to E-7 aircraft capability development, evaluation and testing, interoperability, sustainment, operations, training and safety.


Boeing

https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=131475#assets_all

[Sparkplug]

USAF learns E-7A capabilities and techniques from RAAF

Published: 16 June 2024   Last Updated: 16 June 2024


Credit photos: USAF

From 20 May through 12 June 2024, the USAF Weapons School at Nellis AFB (NV) hosted Royal Australian Air Force No. 2 Squadron, based at RAAF Williamtown (Australia).

During the aforementioned period, No. 2 Sq's Boeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-006 flew missions with integrated USAF/RAAF aircrew and alongside OK coded E-3G Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. During April 2022, the Department of the Air Force (DAF) selected the E-7A to replace the aging Boeing E-3 Sentry fleet.

The RAAF flew their Wedgetail for the first time during the latest Weapons School's INTegration (WSINT) phase at Nellis. This, as part of the USAF and RAAF joint exercises and training efforts to maximise the E-7A's command and control capabilities in combined operations. Also, the unique capabilities of the E-7A, the survivability and lethality of the joint and combined force (which also includes the Royal Air Force) has increased significantly. To further highlight the enduring nature of the combined partnership, RAAF's No. 2 Squadron has trained and continues to train USAF and RAF aircrew, maintainers and support staff.

For the USAF, the E-7A will be a critical node in the Air Force's ability to gain and maintain air superiority in support of combatant commander priority missions. The Wedgetail will provide advanced airborne moving target indication and battle management, command and control capabilities. It also has an advanced multi-role electronically scanned array radar that enhances Airborne Battle
Management (ABM) and enables long-range kill chains against potential adversaries.

In the past, the USAF and RAAF agreed to an expanded exchange programme to train with RAAF, Royal Australian Navy, US Navy and RAF aircrew and personnel, supporting the E-7A aircraft's USAF service introduction. These seventy Airmen, from thirteen career fields, will return from the programme by the end of 2024 and support its integration. In the end it is expected that the tri-lateral E-7A acquisition and operations initiative between the USAF, RAAF and RAF will lead to an interoperable and interchangeable coalition E-7A community.


Credit photos: USAF

https://scramble.nl/military-news/usaf-learns-e-7a-capabilities-and-techniques-from-raaf

[Harald]

Saab signs GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft support contract with UAE

Saab and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defence have signed a contract and Saab has received an order regarding in-service support for the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) solution. The order value is approximately USD 190 million with a three-year contract period that runs until 2026. The contract includes maintenance and logistics support, as well as training services.

"This agreement solidifies Saab's role in ensuring that GlobalEye remains mission-ready. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with the UAE Air Force and Air Defence and providing long-term local support," says Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab's business area Surveillance.

On January 4, 2024, Saab announced it had received a follow-on contract with the UAE regarding the sale of two GlobalEyes, whose order value is USD 1.018 billion and the contract period is 2020-2025. The original contract with the United Arab Emirates for GlobalEye was signed in 2015. This contract was an amendment to that signed in 2015.

GlobalEye is an advanced multi-domain AEW&C solution that provides simultaneous air, maritime and ground surveillance. It combines sophisticated radar technology with the ultra-long-range Global 6000 aircraft from Bombardier. By providing real-time information to units in air forces, armies and navies, GlobalEye enables enhanced situational awareness of the surrounding areas and early detection of threats.

https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2024-defense-news-aviation/january/9518-saab-signs-globaleye-aew-c-aircraft-support-contract-with-uae.html

[Ace1]

E-7A Wedgetails gaan E-3A Sentries vervangen

BRUSSEL – De NAVO heeft haar volgende generatie commando- en controlevliegtuigen geselecteerd, nu de bestaande Airborne Warning and Control (AWACS) vloot bijna met pensioen gaat. Er worden de komende jaren zes nieuwe Boeing E-7A Wedgetail-vliegtuigen gebouwd, waarvan de eerste naar verwachting in 2031 klaar zal zijn voor operationele dienst.

Een consortium van Bondgenoten heeft deze maand zijn goedkeuring gehecht aan het project, een van de grootste capaciteitsaankopen van de NAVO ooit.

De op de Boeing 737 gebaseerde E-7 Wedgetail is uitgerust met een krachtige radar om vijandige vliegtuigen, raketten en schepen op grote afstand detecteren en NAVO-straaljagers op hun doelen te richten. De Verenigde Staten, het Verenigd Koninkrijk en Turkije vliegen al met de Wedgetail of zijn dat van plan.

De NAVO beschikt sinds de jaren tachtig over een vloot van E-3A Airborne Warning and Control (AWACS)-vliegtuigen die gestationeerd zijn vliegbasis Geilenkirchen in Duitsland. Deze AWACS hebben bij elke grote NAVO-operatie gevlogen, inclusief de strijd tegen ISIS en op de oostflank van de NAVO na de Russische invasie van Oekraïne. De E-7 krijgt naar verwachting eveneeens zijn hoofdbasis in Geilenkirchen, maar kan vanuit verschillende locaties in Europa opereren.

De Wedgetail zal deel uitmaken van het toekomstige surveillance- en controleproject van het Bondgenootschap, dat vanaf het midden van de jaren 2030 de volgende generatie surveillancesystemen van de NAVO zal inzetten.

https://www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl/2023/11/15/e-7a-wedgetails-gaan-e-3a-sentries-vervangen/

[Harald]

Saab GlobalEye could be jointly operated by Scandinavian countries

Saab has revealed ongoing discussion in expanding collaboration among Scandinavian nations, highlighting the aspiration for Sweden, Finland and Denmark to share common GlobalEye AEW&C platforms.

Finland, Sweden and Denmark have been engaging in discussions with Saab to potentially jointly operate the company's GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, a Saab official told Shephard at the Dubai Airshow 2023.

Sweden has ordered two GlobalEyes under a US$710 million deal. Deliveries have been slated for 2027 and the contract included a potential extension for two more aircraft.

'It comes down to the Swedish Defence Force to make that choice [about the extension], but we are having discussions with the neighbouring countries in Scandinavian – Finland and Denmark –, to see whether scaling up from two or more aircraft in the region could be part of the equation in the region,' said Tomas Lundin, head of marketing and sales of AEW&C business at Saab.

When asked whether the countries involved could jointly use the same platforms, Lundin commented 'Why not? That's a good idea'. He emphasised, however, that the collaboration between the Scandinavian neighbours was only 'aspirational' at this point.

Although Scandinavian countries have been known for their close collaboration on dispersed air operations conducted with fighter jets, the concept of multiple nations owning a shared defence platform does not seem to have a clear precedent.

Lundin could not confirm when a decision could be expected regarding the potential collaboration, but he said Saab believed GlobalEye would 'be an important asset' for countries in the region and 'they are showing a great deal of interest in the capability'.

https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/dubai-airshow-2023-saab-globaleye-could-be-jointly-operated-by-scandinavian-countries/

[Harald]

@IndraCompany showcasing Global 6000-based special mission platform at #IFC23. In #Spain AF markings, so presumably intended as a replacement for the Citation V aircraft...

https://twitter.com/GarethJennings3/status/1722191018932519237/photo/3

[Harald]

https://www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl/2023/09/29/nieuwe-klant-saab-erieye-aewc/

De defensie poot van Saab heeft vrijdag (29 september) tijdens een ceremonie de eerste van twee voor Polen bestemde Saab 340 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) turboprops gepresenteerd.

De multi-role multi-mission systemen werden in juli 2023 besteld en moeten tussen 2023 en 2025 aan Polen worden afgeleverd die ze voor zowel militaire al civiele doeleinden wil gaan gebruiken.

Naast Erieye AEW&C.zullen ook meerdere sensoren worden ingebouwd waardoor de tweemotorige turboprops ook gebruikt kunnen worden voor grens patrouilles en Search and Rescue (SAR) missies.