Pentagon Reverses Course, Funds E-7 Wedgetail to Replace Aging AWACS
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.