Wedgetail to be RAF's new AEW&C aircraft

[dimsum]

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has signed a $1.98Bn (£1.51Bn) deal to purchase five E-7 Wedgetail aircraft.  The E-7 fleet will replace the current E-3D Sentry aircraft and ensure the continued delivery of the UK’s Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capability.

https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/wedgetail-to-be-rafs-new-early-warning-radar-aircraft/?fbclid=IwAR0Vc1g-sxUDpvTsMnMaSHEteNEe8VJiTgO23WLF1mOXFoqPf4hw_KBg2Co

 

[RDBZ]

I think a lot of folk were expecting this deal to be sidelined by the ongoing Brexit chaos.  Should be a major capability upgrade for the UK.

The defence secretary oversells the equipment commonality with Aus though: the RAAF will operate the F-35A, while the Hunter class will be very different in terms of combat systems and weapons than the UK Type 26.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

Maybe this means the RCAF will also upgrade its AWACS fleet soon! 

 

[SeaKingTacco]

Maybe this means the RCAF will also upgrade its AWACS fleet soon! 

Why, are the Australians selling their fleet, second hand?

 

[Fishbone Jones]

That is a very nice looking aircraft.

 

[dimsum]

Maybe this means the RCAF will also upgrade its AWACS fleet soon! 

How do you "upgrade" from none? 

 

[Gorgo]

Truthfully, it would be nice to have an AEW&C platform of our own.  We could order the E-7 and use that to help in keeping the North free of Russian intrusion as well as help NATO and our allies elsewhere.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

How do you "upgrade" from none?

It's easy, just like all those "new and improved" product advertisements! 

 

[Fishbone Jones]

It's easy, just like all those "new and improved used" product advertisements! 

TFTFY