The U.S. Defense Bill proposes significant funding for the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, amounting to $1.1 billion for the 2026 fiscal year. This funding reflects an increase of hundreds of millions over prior authorizations, highlighting a notable change in the program’s prospects.
Funding Boost for E-7 Wedgetail Radar Jet
The Senate Appropriations Committee recently unveiled a draft of the Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026. This bill indicates a shift in priorities for the E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, as it previously faced potential cancellation by the Pentagon.
Breakdown of Funding
- Recent funding includes:
- $846.676 million approved in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) from December.
- Additional $200 million allocated in a short-term spending bill passed in November.
- A proposed $1.1 billion for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation for fiscal year 2026.
The Joint Explanatory Statement released by the Senate Appropriations Committee emphasizes the E-7’s importance to the Air Force’s capabilities. This funding is aimed at advancing rapid prototyping and moving into the aircraft’s engineering and manufacturing development phase.
Background on the E-7 Program
The E-7 Wedgetail, based on the Boeing 737 platform, is intended to replace the aging fleet of E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft. Currently, the U.S. Air Force operates 16 E-3s, which face growing operational challenges due to aging technology.
Versions of the E-7 are already utilized by Australia, South Korea, and Turkey. The United Kingdom plans to integrate the E-7, but NATO’s collective purchasing plan was halted following the U.S. military’s withdrawal.
Limitations and Congressional Support
The recent agreement within Congress further strengthens support for the E-7 program. The new provisions prevent the use of funds to pause or cancel the E-7 project.
The Air Force originally sought to allocate around $200 million to wind down the E-7 project. However, legislative support indicates a broader commitment to advancing this essential capability.
Future Outlook and Challenges
Despite the increased funding, the timeline for the E-7’s operational deployment remains unclear. Initial plans aimed to have operational capabilities by 2027; this is now projected to slip to 2032 according to the Government Accountability Office.
Congress’s renewed backing for the E-7 program marks a significant turnaround since last summer. As the Air Force navigates these developments, the focus remains on ensuring a robust and effective airborne early warning and control system for future military engagements.
