The technology is now in operational
service with the air forces of
Australia, Brazil, Greece, Israel,
Italy, Mexico, Pakistan, Saudi
Arabia, Singapore, Sweden,
Thailand and the United Arab
Emirates, and operators of the
E-3 series are starting to look as
if they have ‘yesterday’s AWACS’.
In this environment of rapid technological
change, it’s no surprise that the RAF began
to look at new solutions to replace its
AWACS fleet. The E-3D has been a stalwart
of RAF operations at home and abroad
since it entered service in 1991, but the
air force is now looking to make the leap
to the next generation of airborne battle
management and surveillance technology.
In the middle of this year reports emerged
that senior RAF officers and Ministry of
Defence procurement officials had begun
discussions with industry teams to look at the
options. The cost benefit analysis of keeping
the 1970s-vintage E-3Ds in service versus
‘recapitalising’ with a cheaper to operate
and more technologically advanced AESA
radar had now swung in favour of the latter.
According to senior MOD sources close to
the project, the government’s Modernising
Defence Programme (MDP) review –
launched last January – considered the
E-3D replacement issue as part of its look at
future UK defence equipment requirements.
Early this year AFM heard from ministry
sources that “tentative discussions” included
talks with Boeing concerning a variant of
the 737-based Wedgetail airborne early
warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft; and
with a European team involving Airbus and
Saab offering the latter’s Erieye mission
systems on an Airbus airframe. Israeli industry
representatives also made their case to the UK
for their AEW&C products and technology.
As well as looking at the technical
capabilities of the rival offers, ministry
officials looked at options for an acquisition
strategy, including whether to opt for a formal
competition or an off-the-shelf purchase.
Boeing declined to comment in May,
suggesting AFM “liaise with the [UK
Ministry of Defence] regarding questions
about their E-3 replacement plans”.
The technology is now in operationalAbove: A pair of E-7As in formation in 2007, prior to delivery to the RAAF. As well as being proven in
service, the Wedgetail has been earmarked as part of wider UK/Australia military co-operation, including
the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, Type 26 frigate and F-35. Boeing Inset: A patch prepared for the RAAF
Wedgetail’s return to the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, in summer 2018.
James Lawrence Below: Saab’s proven Erieye AEW&C system is already in service with more than half-a-
dozen operators around the world. The Royal Thai Air Force fl ies the Saab 340 AEW&C alongside its Saab
JAS 39C/D Gripen fi ghters. Saab/Peter LianderA US Air
Force airborne
surveillance
technician
from the 961st
Airborne Air
Control Squadron
at work in an E-3
over the Pacifi c
Ocean last year. The
USAF has embarked
on a wide-ranging
upgrade of its Sentry
fl eet and the latest
Block 40/45 standard was
fi rst deployed on combat
operations in late 2015.
USAF/Senior Airman John
Linzmeierhttp://www.airforcesmonthly.com #369 DECEMBER 2018 // 71