This test marks continued progress toward operational readiness of the UK’s new airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capability. The E-7 Wedgetail, based on the Boeing 737-700 and equipped with Northrop Grumman’s MESA radar, is already in service with Australia, South Korea, and Turkey.
The RAF E-7 Wedgetail WT001 completed another test flight today to confirm aircraft systems function correctly.
The E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, in service with other nations, is the most capable and effective airborne early warning and control platform in operation today. pic.twitter.com/rb1l4p1erG
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) July 10, 2025
Describing the E-7 as “the most capable and effective airborne early warning and control platform in operation today,” the RAF highlighted the system’s strategic importance. The aircraft is set to replace the retired E-3D Sentry fleet, which left a critical capability gap following its withdrawal in 2021.
Originally, the UK planned to procure five E-7s, but this number was reduced to three in a 2021 cost-cutting measure. This decision prompted concerns about operational capacity and resilience within both the RAF and NATO frameworks.
Defence Minister Maria Eagle addressed the matter before MPs on 26 June, affirming the UK’s ongoing dialogue with the United States regarding the platform. “The Ministry of Defence have continual engagement with the US regarding the E-7 programme,” she said, citing trilateral working groups formed in 2022 and a Joint Vision Statement signed in 2023.
Eagle also emphasised the aircraft’s strategic value in the UK’s broader defence posture. “As highlighted in the recent Strategic Defence Review, the E-7 Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft provide significant advantages in warfighting,” she told Parliament.
She further noted that “growth of the Royal Air Force Airborne Early Warning and Control capability was identified… as advantageous to the UK and NATO.” This underscores the platform’s role in enhancing national and allied defence operations.
To ensure robust governance, the Wedgetail project remains on the Government Major Project Portfolio. “The Wedgetail programme is subject to regular reviews… [which] undertake regular assessment of the E-7 programme and report their findings at regular intervals,” Eagle confirmed.
Source: UK Defence Journal.
