STS’ Birmingham site is the only E-7 conversion facility in the world, as Boeing has not yet established capabilities at Boeing Field. The two prototypes will be the first E-7A models delivered to the U.S. Air Force, while STS is already converting three aircraft for the Royal Air Force under a £1.89 billion contract with Boeing.
The agreement comes despite previous attempts by the Trump administration to cancel the E-7 programme, in favour of Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeyes and space-based surveillance alternatives. Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives proposed allocating $199.7 million to continue rapid prototyping of the Wedgetail and an additional $200 million in unobligated funds to support programme development.
The deal forms part of a wider £150 billion investment and technology package signed during the state visit of U.S. President Donald Trump on 17–18 September. “The relationship between the UK and U.S. has never been stronger, and this new deal with Boeing creates and supports hundreds of jobs across the UK, making defense an engine for growth and strengthening our collective security,” UK Defense Secretary John Healey said.
“This deal is a vote of confidence in Britain’s world-leading defense industry and delivers on the commitments set out in our Strategic Defense Review and Defense Industrial Strategy, making us secure at home and strong abroad,” Healey added. The Wedgetail programme has faced delays due to post-pandemic supply chain issues, with the first RAF aircraft now undergoing mission system testing at Boscombe Down ahead of service entry in 2026.
