Pentagon seeks funds to replace AWACS aircraft
Photo: US military aircraft (Getty Images)
The Pentagon has decided to fund the purchase of E-7 Wedgetail long-range early warning aircraft to replace the aging fleet of E-3 Sentry aircraft. The decision was accelerated by the loss of one of the US E-3s as a result of an Iranian attack on an airbase in Saudi Arabia in March, according to Militarnyi.
Background
Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth announced a change in strategic approach during hearings in the House of Representatives. The Defense Department is already preparing amendments to the budget for fiscal year 2027 to fund the new platforms. The initial version of the budget did not allocate funds for the E-7.
Previously, Pentagon leadership had attempted to cancel the Wedgetail program in favor of space-based reconnaissance systems. But after the destruction of the E-3 Sentry in Saudi Arabia, the position changed. Hegseth acknowledged the need to fill the gaps with aviation platforms.
E-7 Wedgetail
The Boeing 737-based aircraft is considered one of the world’s best platforms for detecting kamikaze drones and cruise missiles. In addition to radar surveillance, it can serve as a combat control center and facilitate data exchange between units.
The US Air Force already has contracts with Boeing for seven E-7 aircraft in a US-specific configuration. The system is already in service with Australia, South Korea, and Türkiye.
Timeline pushed back
The original plan called for operational deployment in 2027, but due to the program being on hold for most of 2025, the timeline has been pushed back to 2032. The Pentagon is looking for ways to accelerate procurement.
At the SpaceX launch site in Texas, the company successfully mated the two stages of the updated Starship Version 3 rocket for the first time. This model is taller and significantly more powerful than its predecessors. The company is moving on to preparing for actual deep-space missions; the first test could take place as early as May 19.
Meanwhile, US Navy Chief Daryl Caudle stated that if Congress does not allocate additional funds for the war with Iran by July, the Navy will be forced to cut back on training and other activities.
