Boeing, U.S. Air Force Definitize Contract for Two Rapid Prototype E-7A Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Aircraft
August 13, 2024 | BoeingEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Boeing 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.
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
Global Turbine Asia Boosts Aerospace Growth and Talent Through Strategic Partnerships
04/21/2026 | ACN NewswireThe MoUs reflect GTA’s strategic focus on strengthening the aerospace and defence ecosystem through cross-border commercial cooperation, talent development, research partnerships and long-term capability building, aligned with evolving regional industry needs.
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE): A Valuable Option for Modern Designs
04/20/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007When it comes to designing PCBs and full systems for increasingly complex electronics hardware, who doesn’t want to reduce complexity and cost? Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) has emerged as a solution and is gaining rapid attention across industrial electronics and PCB design because it enables Ethernet communication over a single twisted pair, replacing the traditional two- or four-pair cabling used in standard Ethernet networks. This seemingly simple shift has significant implications for designers: smaller connectors, reduced cable weight, longer reach, and the ability to carry both data and power over a single pair.
Bell Textron Establishes Entity in Ukraine
04/17/2026 | Bell Textron Inc.Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announced its formation of a subsidiary in Ukraine and plans to open a dedicated office as part of its long-term approach to industrial cooperation in the country.
Netherlands Awards RTX $627M Patriot Defense Contract
04/13/2026 | RTXRaytheon, an RTX business, was awarded a $627 million contract to supply the Netherlands with Patriot® air and missile defense system equipment.
Ducon Announces Advanced Solutions to Mitigate Air Pollution from Missile Interceptions
04/07/2026 | BUSINESS WIREDucon Technologies, a global leader in high-efficiency air pollution control and infrastructure related technologies, announced solutions for the escalating environmental and public health crisis caused by high-altitude missile interceptions in the ongoing conflict in Iran.