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1/200 (G2RAF396) Boeing (E-7A) AEW1 Wedgetail (WT001) No. 8 Sqdn R.A.F. (Limited Edition) 2025 Release
1/200 (G2RAF396) Boeing (E-7A) AEW1 Wedgetail (WT001) No. 8 Sqdn R.A.F. (Limited Edition) 2025 Release
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1/200 (G2RAF396) Boeing (E-7A) AEW1 Wedgetail (WT001) No. 8 Sqdn R.A.F. (Limited Edition) 2025 Release
United Kingdom
In October 2018, the British Government announced that it was in talks with Boeing about the potential for the E-7 Wedgetail to replace its E-3D fleet. Talks about using the aircraft were also taking place with Australia.[61] The apparent decision to proceed with procurement without a competition received some criticism, with the Ministry of Defence accused of displaying favouritism towards Boeing,[62] while Saab voiced its opposition to the "non-competitive" deal as it could offer the Erieye system mounted on Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft.[63] In March 2019, the UK signed a $1.98 billion (~$2.39 billion in 2024) deal to purchase five E-7 Wedgetails.[64] The aircraft will be designated the "Wedgetail AEW1".[65]
Airframe modification was expected to be performed by Marshall Aerospace, but it withdrew in May 2020, thus Boeing selected STS Aviation Group's UK branch on 20 May 2020.[66] Two of the five aircraft are to be converted commercial airliners and the rest are to be new.[67] Each conversion takes about 24 months, with work on the first aircraft starting in 2021 and the last to be completed in 2026.[67] In June 2020, the first Wedgetail delivery was expected in 2023.[68]
In December 2020, Air Forces Monthly reported that the UK was considering reducing its Wedgetail purchase from five to three aircraft and stated that such a move "could often mean just one aircraft would be available for operational tasking."[69] The 2021 Integrated Defence Review confirmed the reduced order of three aircraft.[70] In late 2022, it was reported that initial operating capability for the aircraft had slipped to 2024.[71] Then in 2024 it was indicated that service entry was now anticipated in 2025.[72] The in-service date then slipped further into 2026.[73] In February 2023, Air Chief Marshal Michael Wigston stated that the order of three aircraft may gradually rise back to five airframes.[74] The 2025 defence review recommended the procurement of additional aircraft, though this might proceed in conjunction with other NATO allies.[75]
