Boeing has been awarded a US$2.56 billion contract from the US Air Force (USAF) 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 US Air Force selected the E-7A as a replacement for its venerable E-3 Sentries in 2022. It expects to eventually acquire as many as 26 aircraft to replace the legacy E-3 fleet.
Boeing is also currently producing three E-7As for the Royal Air Force, with military modifications underway in the United Kingdom.
Crews and support personnel from the US and UK are currently embedded in No. 2 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, for training. The squadron, based at RAAF Williamtown, was the first unit to operate the aircraft type.