NATO buys six E-7A Wedgetail "flying radars" to replace E-3 Sentry aircraft

NATO has decided to acquire aircraft equipped with an airborne radio detection and guidance system. The Alliance's choice was the E-7A Wedgetail.

Here's What We Know

The military-political bloc has approved a contract to replace the E-3A Sentry aircraft, which are nearing the end of their service life. NATO will purchase six E-7A Wedgetail "flying radar" aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin by 2031.

Wedgetail is equipped with a powerful radar that can detect aircraft, ships and missiles at long distances. AWACS is also used to guide fighters to targets. The E-7A is based on the Boeing 737 jetliner.

The North Atlantic Alliance has been using E-3A Sentry aircraft based in Germany for almost 40 years. They flew over Eastern Europe after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and were used in NATO operations. For example, in the fight against ISIS.

Source: NATO