The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that the United Kingdom will manufacture E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft for the U.S. Air Force — the first such effort since World War II.
Strategic and Historic Decision
This landmark project expands transatlantic defense-industrial cooperation and deepens operational integration between two of NATO’s most capable militaries.
The Significance of the E-7 Wedgetail
Built on the Boeing 737 airframe and fitted with MESA radar, the E-7 provides long-range surveillance, battle management, and command-and-control capabilities, enhancing NATO’s airspace awareness and joint operations.
Growing Allied Integration
The initiative highlights growing U.S.-UK military convergence amid tensions on NATO’s eastern flank and rising challenges in the Indo-Pacific. A shared AEW&C architecture allows faster, more coordinated responses.
Critical for USAF Modernization
The E-7 will replace the aging E-3 Sentry AWACS fleet, offering superior detection against stealth aircraft, missile threats, and electronic warfare environments.
Production in Birmingham and Economic Impact
Two USAF prototypes will be modified and integrated in Birmingham under Boeing Defence UK, creating 150 new skilled jobs and expanding the existing workforce.
A New Era in Transatlantic Defense
Analysts emphasize that this joint production effort strengthens NATO’s ISR capacity and enables rapid fleet upgrades during crises.
