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NATO Allies Drop Boeing E-7 Plan, Pivot to European AWACS Options

After Washington's withdrawal, allies pivot to European options to meet a 2035 replacement deadline.

A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail, operated by No. 2 Squadron based at RAAF Base Williamtown, Australia, flies with a Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptor April 21, 2021, near Oahu, Hawaii. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. John Linzmeier)
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NATO countries are pulling the plug on plans to buy US-made Boeings to replace the alliance's surveillance planes

Overview

  • The Netherlands announced on behalf of the iAFSC partners that the consortium will not proceed with six Boeing E-7 Wedgetails to replace NATO’s E-3A fleet.
  • The reversal follows the United States leaving the joint program in July 2024, removing the effort’s strategic and financial foundation.
  • European-made AEW&C alternatives under review include Saab’s Erieye/GlobalEye and potential Airbus or Dassault-based platforms.
  • NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pledged to speed the replacement decision as the current E-3A fleet approaches retirement around 2035 from its Geilenkirchen base.
  • The United States still plans a limited E-7 procurement for prototypes while the Pentagon favors other investments and Congress works to sustain E-7 funding.