A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) E-7A Wedgetail took part in the integration phase of the US Air Force (USAF) Weapons School for the first time.
Between 20 May and 12 June, 2024, an E-7A of No. 2 squadron deployed to Nellis Air Force Base to train with the USAF.
Every six months, the USAF Weapons School trains around 150 officers and enlisted personnel in air, space, and cyber warfare, so that they can go onto train other units within the US Department of Defence.
The US Air Force selected the E-7A as an interim replacement for its ageing fleet of E-3 Sentrys in 2022.
The platform has also been selected by the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) and NATO for future adoption.
According to the USAF No. 2 Squadron has become a "multi-national integrated unit" due to its role in training embedded USAF, RAF and US Navy personnel in how to maintain and operate the E-7A. In 2023, the three AUKUS countries signed an "E-7 Joint Vision Statement" committing them to future cooperation in the development, acquisition, and operations of the type.
In total, 70 US personnel are embeded with No. 2 Squadron, all of which are due to return to the US at the end of the year to help stand up the capability there.
“The trilateral E-7A acquisition and operations initiative between the RAAF, RAF and USAF will lead to an interoperable and interchangeable coalition E-7A community,” said USAF Lt. Col. Shahin Namazi, E-7A director of operations.
"This will enable highly flexible operations in support of national defense priorities," Namazi added.