DefenseNATO reconsiders Boeing E-7A Wedgetail purchase amid US uncertainty
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is reassessing its plan to acquire 14 Boeing E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, intended to replace its ageing fleet of E-3 Sentrys – all over 40 years old.
The procurement, managed by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), envisioned the Wedgetails as NATO-owned assets, operated with funds and crews supplied by eight member nations, including the United States.
However, the project is now under review following comments from Pentagon leaders appointed by President Donald Trump, who have questioned the E-7A’s survivability in contested airspace and argued for space-based surveillance alternatives.
This stance raises doubts over Washington’s commitment to the multinational programme and could impact both the cost and feasibility of the purchase.
NATO plans to provide an update on cost-sharing among participating nations by the end of September. Should the US withdraw, alternatives such as Saab’s GlobalEye AEW&C platform could re-emerge as contenders.
For Boeing, the US Air Force remains the largest potential customer for the Wedgetail. The company has already secured $2.6 billion for two prototypes, but a change in American plans could drive up the per-unit cost for other buyers.
Still, Boeing remains optimistic: “I believe E-7 Wedgetail will be in the US Air Force inventory in large numbers,” said Steve Parker, head of Boeing Defense, to Flight Global at the Paris Air Show in June.
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