Washington (Agencies): The US Air Force’s plan to acquire 26 E-7 Wedgetail radar planes is under review as the Pentagon shifts its focus to space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday.
The Air Force has already invested over $1 billion in developing and producing its first two E-7s, which were intended to replace the aging E-3 AWACS fleet for airborne domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific. However, the program now faces uncertainty amid a Pentagon-wide reassessment of major defense acquisitions.
Hegseth stated that the E-7’s survivability in modern warfare is a key concern, emphasizing that the Pentagon must prioritize systems that provide a strategic advantage in future conflicts. He suggested that space-based ISR capabilities could eventually surpass airborne platforms, leading to a potential shift in funding priorities.
Despite these concerns, some lawmakers continue to support the E-7 program. The House Appropriations Committee has allocated $500 million for the program in its 2026 draft defense spending bill, even though the Pentagon has yet to release its full budget proposal.
A potential cut or cancellation of the E-7 program would be a major setback for Boeing, which finalized a $2.6 billion deal with the Air Force last year for two test aircraft. The first E-7s are expected to be delivered in 2028.
The E-7 Wedgetail, originally developed for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), is a highly advanced Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft based on the Boeing 737 Next Generation platform. It features the Northrop Grumman Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar, providing 360-degree surveillance for air and sea operations.
Key capabilities include:
- Real-time command & control, enabling coordinated fighter operations.
- Multi-mission flexibility, supporting air and maritime surveillance.
- Extended operational range, ensuring long-duration missions.
- Advanced sensor fusion, integrating data from multiple sources for enhanced situational awareness.
The E-7 is currently in service with Australia, Turkey, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, and was expected to play a critical role in US Air Force operations.
- Future of ISR: Airborne vs. Space-Based Systems
Air Force Chief Gen. David Allvin recently testified that the E-7 is the only viable replacement for the E-3 AWACS, describing the older platform as “dying.” However, Pentagon officials, including Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, have emphasized that no single system can fulfill all ISR requirements, advocating for a mix of airborne and space-based solutions.
While the Pentagon’s final decision on the E-7 program remains unclear, the debate highlights the growing shift toward space-based ISR, which could redefine future battlefield surveillance and intelligence operations.