After a lengthy price debate, the US Department of the Air Force (DAF) has finally negotiated a price agreement with Boeing for the E-7A Wedgetail weapon system rapid prototype program.
This paves the way for delivering two operationally representative prototype E-7A weapons systems.
The Undefinitized Contract Action has now been definitized, with a total contract value of $2.56 billion.
“This agreement is a significant win for our warfighters, paving the way for ensuring the Air Force’s ability to provide advanced airborne moving target indication in the coming years,” said Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Andrew Hunter.
“It is also an exemplar of our ability to leverage and support the expertise and investments of our partners and allies to support our common security objectives.”
Integrates U.S.-based mission systems
This rapid prototyping program integrates US-based mission systems into existing E-7 airborne platforms to meet DAF requirements while ensuring interoperability with coalition partners already operating the E-7.
The E-7A provides advanced airborne battle management command, control, and moving target indication capabilities.
Its advanced multi-role electronically scanned array radar will enhance airborne battle management, improving situational awareness and enabling long-range kill chains with potential peer adversaries.
Until the E-7A is fielded, the DAF will continue relying on the E-3 AWACS, as ongoing E-3 modernization efforts meet the 2022 National Defense Strategy intent.
The E-3 will continue worldwide BMC2/AMTI operations as required by the DAF and the Department of Defense.
The E-7A rapid prototyping program will inform a planned production decision in FY26. The two operationally representative prototype aircraft are planned to be delivered in FY28.
An integrated command and control node
The Boeing E-7 Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) is a combat-proven force multiplier that provides unparalleled abilities to scan the skies, communicate with surface, ground, and air assets, and enable integration across the joint force.
The aircraft has a Radar/Identification Friend or Foe Subsystem. The 360-degree sensor coverage provided by the Northrop Grumman Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar is fully compliant with international standards.
Its mission computing allows a single interface between multiple subsystems, and the operator provides mission processing and display for the airborne mission segment.
The aircraft’s boom-capable air-to-air refueling capability allows extended on-station time, range, and mission support.
The E-7A’s multiservice, interoperable, FAA-certified communications system can support multiple voice and data transfer security classifications.
The electronic support measures make the detection and geolocation of emitters within the required frequency range, which allows surveillance, target identification, and threat warning.
It also has appropriate countermeasures to respond to threats.
The combat-proven E-7A Wedgetail provides targeted tracking and battle management command-and-control capabilities to joint forces for a “first to detect, first to engage” advantage. The E-7 AEW&C platform is currently in service with the Royal Australian Air Force, the Republic of Korea Air Force (designated E-737 Peace Eye), and the 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 US 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.”
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