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Four ways the E-7 Airborne Early Warning and Control makes Air Forces stronger

With the global E-7 fleet growing, here’s how the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft provides crucial benefits that help U.S. and allied operators maintain air superiority.

May 02, 2025 in E-7 AEW&C, Defense

First to Detect, First to Engage advantage against threats

As the U.S. Air Force continues to advance air superiority capabilities, the Boeing E-7 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) provides complementary leaps forward in aerial surveillance and battle management and control (BMC2) operations.

The E-7A can detect and track a wide array of airborne and maritime targets, providing comprehensive situational awareness across vast operational theaters. The integrated sensor system allows the aircraft to simultaneously monitor multiple targets, making it an invaluable asset for both defensive and offensive operations.

The E-7 AEW&C's capabilities extend beyond detection. It features sophisticated communication systems that facilitate real-time data sharing with air, space and ground forces, enhancing collaborative decision-making. The aircraft can integrate seamlessly with various platforms, including fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ground command centers, ensuring that all units operate with a unified understanding of the battlefield. Additionally, the E-7 is designed for rapid deployment and can operate in diverse environments, from high-intensity conflict zones to humanitarian missions.

RAAF E-7 support for NATO humanitarian aid during Operation Kudu has been one of several recent missions in which global operators have demonstrated the unmatched battlespace awareness and BMC2 capability the E- 7 delivers to join forces. (Boeing photo)

The aircraft's ability to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground surveillance, along with its command-and-control functionalities, position it as a critical node in modern military operations. Its advanced electronic warfare capabilities further enhance its effectiveness, allowing it to counter threats and protect friendly forces. Aerial refueling capability ensures the E-7’s persistence to cover more than 4million km2 per mission.

As a result, the E-7 AEW&C is a comprehensive solution for maintaining air superiority and operational effectiveness.

Platform commonality for mission readiness and lifecycle value

Building on a commercial Next Generation 737 airframe creates crucial mission readiness and lifecycle value advantage. With thousands of 737s operating worldwide, supported by a robust commercial supply chain and maintenance network—including 30 global repair facilities and 250 global service centers—E-7 operators benefit from significantly reduced maintenance and logistics costs.

In addition, the growing E-7 fleet provides interoperability in operations, as well as shared training and capability growth investment opportunities.

All of that adds up to a more effective and efficient AEW&C fleet.

The global fleet is growing! As the first UK E-7 Wedgetail progresses through test and evaluation, including a functional check flight in 2024. The global fleet is growing! As the first UK E-7 Wedgetail progresses through test and evaluation, including a functional check flight in 2024...
...the first US Air Force Rapid Prototype E-7A gets its wings in Boeing’s Renton, Washington, factory.

Global Missions and Strategic Alliances

The E-7 AEW&C is already playing a pivotal role in various missions worldwide. For example, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has successfully deployed the E-7 in numerous operations, from humanitarian assistance to combat missions. The Republic of Korea Air Force and Turkish Air Force also continue to prove the unmatched capability of the E-7.

Its ability to integrate seamlessly with allied forces has been demonstrated through joint training exercises with the United States Air Force and the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force. These collaborative efforts accelerate operational readiness among newer operators and also foster interoperability among allied nations, ensuring a unified response to emerging threats.

U.S.A.F Aircrew and Royal Australian Air Force aircrew sit at the on-board mission consoles inside an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft prior to a Weapons School Integration mission at Nellis Air Force Base in 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro)k

Evolutionary Capability Advances including MUM-T

In today's complex and dynamic operational environments, timely information—battlespace awareness and battle management—can make the difference for mission success.

The E-7's advanced capabilities—from sensing to multi-domain data integration to real-time analysis for a comprehensive view of the battlespace—provide powerful multi-domain surveillance, communications, and networked battle management capabilities and interoperability that multiply the effectiveness of joint forces.

As it integrates information from the fleet, the E-7A’s command-and-control abilities facilitate resilient and efficient force employment including integration of future Collaborative Combat Aircraft and other manned-unmanned teaming in fleet operations.

Evolutionary capability advancements and platform maturation through open mission systems pave the way for future sensor systems enhancements, improved data processing capabilities, and advanced communication links—keeping the joint force ahead of adversaries.

As the fleet expands its critical missions around the world, the E-7 AEW&C will continue ensuring operational success and air dominance.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.