The DREXR upgrade enhances the aircraft’s ability to counter evolving threats and supports its role in carrier strike group operations. Officials said it improves situational awareness and accelerates decision-making for commanders.
Rick Cordaro said: “The successful DREXR flight tests demonstrate our commitment to keeping the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye at the forefront of airborne early warning and battle management.” He added: “By modernizing this proven platform, we are ensuring it remains a critical enabler for force protection, command and control, and mission success in today’s increasingly complex threat environment.”
The DREXR system replaces existing exciter and receiver subsystems with a compact, single-unit design. It is intended to deliver next-generation radar performance while extending the operational life of the platform.
During testing, the system demonstrated key capabilities, including wideband transmit and receive functions. It also enabled independent transmit control for each radar element and software-defined waveform functionality.
The integrated recorder collected radar data to support mission analysis and further capability development. Officials said the data will contribute to ongoing work in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye serves as a core airborne early warning and battle management platform for the U.S. Navy. It integrates sensors and systems to connect air, sea and joint forces into a unified operational network.
The aircraft’s APY-9 radar and mission systems support multi-domain operations from both land and sea. Continuous modernization efforts are intended to maintain interoperability, resilience and mission readiness against advanced threats.
