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The Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, a military variant of the civilian 737, is no longer
being considered for monitoring the ageing AWACS radar aircraft currently
flying in Europe. NATO, including the US, previously targeted this type.
 
This summer, the United States announced its withdrawal from the project and
its intention to deploy the much smaller E-2D Hawkeye and satellites to take
over the AWACS aircraft.
 
With the US no longer a partner, the remaining partners would have to spend
significantly more on the planned purchase of the six E-7s. Alternatives are
now being explored.
 
The goal remains to have other, quieter aircraft operational by 2035. The US
withdrawal also demonstrates the importance of investing as much as possible
in European industry, it zqs sqid in NQTO circles.
 
The AWACS aircraft, with their distinctive rotating radar dish on the roof,
have been flying from Geilenkirchen Air Base since 1982. The aircraft are
quite outdated and quite noisy.
 
As an alternative to Boeing's E-7, NATO partners can choose from various
larger and smaller aircraft types from companies like Bombardier and Embraer,
with European suppliers like Saab supplying the necessary radar systems.
 
Countries such as Australia, Turkey, South Korea, and the United Kingdom are
already flying the E-7. Boeing also has a maritime variant of the 737, the P-8
Poseidon.

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