Pentagon Reverses Course, Funds E-7 Wedgetail to Replace Aging AWACS
TL;DR
The Pentagon has shifted from a prior austerity stance to fund the E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning aircraft in its FY2027 budget, aiming to replace aging E-3 Sentry jets as Iran-related conflicts strain the AWACS fleet. Congress previously intervened to preserve the program, and seven E-7s are already under contract, but the Air Force’s fielding timeline remains uncertain as funding and budget plans are adjusted with OMB.
- Pentagon's Mindset On E-7 Radar Aircraft It Tried To Axe Has Completely Changed: Hegseth The War Zone
- Hegseth says E-7 Wedgetail ‘has a future,’ reversing planned cancellation Breaking Defense
- Pentagon Relents, Seeks Funds for E-7 Wedgetail Air & Space Forces Magazine
- Pentagon moves to cancel E‑7 Wedgetail programme over cost, delays, and survivability concerns Defence Industry Europe
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