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U.S. Media: U.S. "Sentinel" Early Warning Aircraft Hard to Find Replacement Model

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According to a report by Reference News Network on April 1, the U.S. Wall Street Journal reported on March 28 that the E-3 "Sentry" early warning aircraft was damaged in an attack in Iran. The "Sentry" early warning aircraft is part of the increasingly dwindling fleet of early warning aircraft in the U.S. military, and there is currently no readily available replacement model.

This early warning aircraft is an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) plane capable of scanning large areas, detecting both friendly and enemy aircraft and missiles, and assisting in fire control, serving as the command center for air operations.

The most likely replacement model is Boeing's E-7 "Wedgetail" early warning aircraft. Last year, the U.S. Department of Defense attempted to cancel the project but was forced to restart it due to pressure from Congress, with the estimated cost per aircraft exceeding $700 million. The U.S. Air Force stated this month that if this multi-billion dollar project, which has been delayed for several years, receives sufficient funding, Boeing could produce up to 7 "Wedgetail" early warning aircraft.

Since the Cold War, the U.S. military has relied on the aging E-3 series early warning aircraft. For decades, this fleet of airborne early warning aircraft has been the "eyes in the sky" for the U.S. Air Force.

The U.S. military's E-3 early warning aircraft fleet once had more than 30 aircraft, but in recent years, the fleet size has been reduced to about 16 aircraft. These aging planes require significant maintenance, which may lead to a decrease in the number of aircraft that can be deployed and available each day.

Retired Air Force General Glen VanHerck, former commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command, stated that the E-3 early warning aircraft "has far exceeded its service life." He noted that the loss of the E-3 early warning aircraft platform "will be reflected in mission impacts and future crew training." (Translated by Zhu Jie)

Classification
Region
West Asia
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Weapons & Equipment / Military Operations
Subcategory
New Weapon System
SALUTE Report
Size
16 E-3 AWACS aircraft
Activity
E-3 AWACS aircraft damaged in an attack
Location
Iran
Unit
U.S. Air Force
Time
April 1, 2023
Equipment
E-3 AWACSE-7 Wedgetail
Summary

The U.S. Air Force's E-3 AWACS aircraft sustained damage in an attack in Iran. The fleet has been reduced to approximately 16 aircraft, which are aging and costly to maintain. The E-7 Wedgetail is being considered as a replacement, with the potential for up to seven units to be produced if funding is secured. This situation highlights the challenges faced by the U.S. military in maintaining its airborne early warning capabilities.

Key Facts
  • E-3 AWACS aircraft were damaged in an attack in Iran.
  • The U.S. Air Force has reduced its fleet of E-3 AWACS from over 30 to about 16.
  • The E-3 AWACS has exceeded its service life and requires significant maintenance.
  • The potential replacement for the E-3 is the E-7 Wedgetail, with a projected cost of over $700 million per unit.
  • Congress pressured the Pentagon to restart the E-7 program after an initial cancellation.
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