Is NATO Moving Away from Boeing for Its Next AWACS?

NATO’s long-standing airborne early warning fleet, built around the aging Boeing E-3 Sentry, is approaching a critical replacement phase. After decades of service, the alliance is now exploring options for a next-generation system capable of operating in increasingly complex and contested environments.

Recent reports suggest that the Saab GlobalEye, developed by Saab in partnership with Bombardier, is gaining traction within discussions. The platform, already in service with operators such as the United Arab Emirates, combines airborne early warning with multi-domain surveillance capabilities, offering a more flexible and modern approach compared to legacy systems.

If confirmed, such a choice would mark a significant shift. NATO has traditionally relied on U.S.-built platforms for this mission, and selecting a European-led solution would signal a growing emphasis on industrial diversification and strategic autonomy within the alliance.

However, no official decision has been announced. The scale and strategic importance of the program mean that any final selection will involve extensive political, industrial, and operational considerations. Boeing is still expected to compete strongly, leveraging its long-standing role within NATO and its experience in airborne early warning systems.

For now, the reports should be seen as an indication of direction rather than a confirmed outcome. Even so, they highlight a broader trend: NATO is not only replacing an aircraft, but redefining how it conducts airborne surveillance and command in the decades ahead.

Iranian drones leaking through air defenses may be forcing the U.S. to deploy Northrop Grumman E-2D Hawkeye to the Middle East

Recent open-source flight tracking suggests the United States may be reinforcing its airborne early warning capabilities in the Middle East by deploying additional Northrop Grumman E-2D Hawkeye aircraft to the region.

According to OSINT monitoring of transatlantic military flights, at least five U.S. Navy E-2D Hawkeyes crossed the Atlantic overnight, likely staging through Lajes Air Base, a key transatlantic logistics hub frequently used by U.S. forces moving between North America and Europe.

The aircraft reportedly flew in formation and were supported by aerial refueling tankers during the crossing, suggesting a long-range deployment that could ultimately bring them to the Middle East.

Iranian drones stressing regional air defenses

The possible deployment comes as Iranian drone activity continues to challenge regional air defense networks. Systems such as the Shahed-136 have demonstrated the ability to penetrate air defenses in multiple conflicts, thanks to their relatively small radar cross-section and low-altitude flight profiles.

Even advanced integrated air defense systems can struggle when confronted with large numbers of small, inexpensive drones launched simultaneously.

Aging AWACS aircraft under heavy operational demand

For years, the primary airborne surveillance platform in the region has been the Boeing E-3 Sentry, operated by the United States Air Force.

However, the platform is increasingly strained. The aircraft is based on the aging Boeing 707 airframe and many of the remaining E-3s have accumulated decades of heavy operational use.

While still capable, the radar architecture of the E-3 was originally designed to track large aircraft rather than swarms of low-flying drones.

Why the E-2D may be better suited for the mission

The Northrop Grumman E-2D Hawkeye, operated by the United States Navy, was specifically designed to counter modern threats such as cruise missiles and low-observable aerial targets.

Its AN/APY-9 AESA radar provides improved detection of small and low-altitude objects, allowing the aircraft to track large numbers of targets simultaneously across a wide battlespace.

This capability could prove particularly valuable in environments where drones represent an increasing share of the threat landscape.

A larger debate over the future of airborne early warning

The situation also highlights an ongoing debate within the United States Air Force, which has proposed retiring its aging AWACS fleet in favor of a future architecture based largely on space-based sensors.

The proposal has faced skepticism from analysts and members of the United States Congress, who argue that satellites alone cannot fully replace the real-time command-and-control capabilities provided by airborne early warning aircraft.

A sign of changing air warfare

If confirmed, the arrival of E-2D Hawkeyes in the region would underscore how modern air defense challenges are evolving. Small drones and low-cost aerial systems are increasingly capable of testing even advanced defense networks.

In that environment, platforms optimized for detecting low-observable threats—like the Hawkeye—may become more important than ever.

Boeing upgrades Saudi AWACS

Among the enhancements to improve radar capabilities and reduce repair time for the airborne surveillance fleet are systems that increase the original equipment’s radar sensitivity and expand the range for tracking targets," according to a Boeing news release.
The Radar System Improvement Program upgrades comprise a new radar computer, a radar control maintenance panel and electrical and mechanical software and hardware, Boeing said.
“The modernized software, multiple radar nodes and overall enhanced operation make this is [sic] the most significant upgrade to the AWACS radar since it was developed in the 1970s," said Keith Burns, Boeing's Saudi AWACS program manager.
c4isrnet

Latest AWACS deployed to combat theater

The latest E-3 Sentry version has made its first deployment to a conflict zone.
A Block 40/45 E-3G arrived in Southwest Asia on November 18, according to an Air Force announcement. The upgraded AWACS features improved communications, computer processing power, threat tracking and other enhancements to the 1970s-era systems on the aircraft.
c4isrnet

NATO withdraws first E-3A AWACS from service

NATO has withdrawn one of its Boeing E-3A (AWACS) aircraft from service, due to budget restrictions.
The alliance currently operates 17 E-3As out of Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany. NATO's E-3As entered service from 1982 onwards. Originally 18 were purchased by NATO, however one was lost in a non-fatal accident in July 1996.
The alliance awarded Boeing a USD250 million contract in August 2014 to make only 13 of them Global Air Traffic Management (GATM)-compliant, in addition to an initial trials aircraft. This had raised the prospect of three of the aircraft being cut.
At present, only 14 of the 17 aircraft in the NATO AEW&C fleet are currently programmed for modernisation.
The aircraft (no.449) made its final operational flight on 13 May, and will be formally retired on 23 June when it flies to the US Air Force's 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group in Arizona - better known as 'The Boneyard'.
janes

Boeing-upgraded French AWACS Take Flight

Initial operating capability of the modernized French AWACS fleet has been achieved with Boeing’s delivery of the second of four upgraded aircraft and completion of the operational tests and evaluations.
France has four AWACS to monitor national airspace. The aircraft are receiving modifications through a Mid-life Upgrade to increase the fleet’s surveillance, communications and battle management capabilities.
boeing

First Flight of Upgraded NATO E-3 AWACS

Boeing recently completed the first flight of a NATO AWACS aircraft with modern flight deck and avionics systems that replace 1970s-era analog systems.
During the two-hour flight testers evaluated five full-color glass displays with customizable engine, navigation and radar data. The systems performed better than expected and the program will now enter an extensive flight test qualification phase. Fourteen NATO AWACS in total will receive the flight deck modernization, delivery of the first upgraded aircraft is scheduled for January 2016.
The upgrades ensure compliance with current and future air traffic control and navigation requirements. They also resolve recurring issues involving out-of-production avionics by using commercial, off-the-shelf digital avionics. The AWACS is based on the Boeing 707.
Thirteen additional NATO AWACS will receive installation of the upgrade. boeing

UK RAF deploys AWACS against Islamic State

Coalition air operations against the Islamic State have been bolstered by the deployment of a UK Boeing E-3D Sentry AWACS aircraft to RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus.
The deployment of the aircraft on 28 January from the 8 Squadron at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire was revealed in an announcement posted on the UK Ministry of Defence's Twitter feed later that day.
It followed an announcement by UK Prime Minister David Cameron in Washington, DC, on 16 January that the RAF's ISTAR capability committed to Operation 'Shader', as the UK mission in Iraq and Syria is code-named, would be enhanced.
janes

Japan to upgrade cabin and cockpit avionics for E-767 AWACS fleet

Boeing will upgrade cockpit avionics and cabin avionics on four E-767 of Japan's wide-area radar surveillance jets.
The Boeing E-767 is an AWACS aircraft that mimics the Boeing E-3 Sentry's surveillance radar and air control system, except it is installed on a Boeing 767-200 passenger jet airframe, rather than the E-3's Boeing 707 airframe.
The aircraft upgrade is to provide Japan with an upgraded AWACS command and control capability, and to enable Japan’s AWACS fleet to be more compatible with the U.S. Air Force AWACS fleet baseline and provide for greater interoperability. Japan will use this enhanced capability to provide for its self-defense.
Boeing will do the work in Kent, Wash., and should be finished by the end of February 2015.
intelligent-aerospace

US Clears Major Arms Sales to Saudi, Turkey

The US cleared two major potential sales to Saudi Arabia and Turkey, DSCA announced Tuesday.
The Saudi government has requested $2 billion in upgrades for its E-3A airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft. The Saudi military operates five AWACS.
The agency also cleared a possible sale to Turkey for 145 AIM-120C-7 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles missiles and associated equipment.
Those missiles will be used on the Turkish Air Force’s fleet of F-16 fighters, although the DSCA notice adds that they could also be used on the country’s eventual F-35 fleet.
defensenews

NATO To Modernize AWACS Fleet

Boeing has received a contract from NATO to install digital flight decks and avionics on 13 of the alliance’s AWACS aircraft.
Under an earlier Engineering Manufacturing and Development (EMD) contract, Boeing installed a new digital flight deck and avionics on one NATO AWACS. Flight testing begins in the fourth quarter of this year with delivery scheduled for December 2015. Boeing also will upgrade the flight deck and avionics of a U.S. AWACS aircraft beginning this November.
boeing

France receives First Upgraded AWACS

Boeing delivered the first of four upgraded French AWACS.
Delivery followed ground and flight tests at Avord Air Force Base and qualification by France’s Direction Générale de l’Armement.
Modifications to the other three French AWACS aircraft are scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2016.
Boeing, as prime contractor, provides hardware, software, engineering and quality assurance support.
boeing

Russian aircraft carrier still in the Mediterranean Sea. NATO planes watch closely

Aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov is still in the Mediterranean where it operates watched closely by NATO E-3 AWACS.
Even if it has reportedly ended its mission and headed for Severomorsk, Russia’s aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov is still sailing in the Mediterranean Sea.
Its position can be determined based on the NOTAMs (Notice To Airmen) issued for the Algiers FIR (Flight Information Region).
Two of them provide details about the area of operation of the aircraft operating from the carrier:
A0962/14 – AIRSPACE RESERVATION FOR RUSSIAN NAVY WILL TAKE PLACE PLAN FLTS FM ACFT CARRIER AVIATION WI AREA BRAVO (B): 3900N 00500E 3900N 00700E 3740N 00700E 3720N 00500E 3900N 00500E. SFC – FL180, APR 23 24 25 AND 26 HR:0800-1700, 23 APR 08:00 2014 UNTIL 26 APR 17:00 2014. CREATED: 21 APR 09:54 2014
A0961/14 – AIRSPACE RESERVATION FOR RUSSIAN NAVY WILL TAKE PLACE PLAN FLTS FM ACFT CARRIER AVIATION WI AREA ALPHA (A): 3745N 00220E 3825N 00400E 3720N 00400E 3700N 00210E 3745N 00220E. SFC – FL160, APR 24 25 AND 26 HR:0800-1700, 24 APR 08:00 2014 UNTIL 26 APR 17:00 2014. CREATED: 21 APR 09:47 2014
While such warnings are often issued for (U.S.) aircraft carriers hence they are not really special, what is worth noticing is that the flying activity of the Russians in the Mediterranean Sea is watched closely by NATO E-3 planes.
Indeed, it seems that NATO AEW (Airborne Early Warning) planes have frequently operated in the Southeastern Mediterranean in the last few days, while Admiral Kuznetsov transited south of Malta towards the waters off Algeria, between Sardinia and the Balearic islands.
Most probably, the E-3s are not only observing the Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D all-weather carrier-based air defence fighters but also performing routine electronic surveillance by means of onboard electronic support measures (ESM).
theaviationist

United Kingdom offers Typhoons for Baltic Air Policing Mission

The UK has offered to deploy a number of Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft to Lithuania to bolster the NATO-led Baltic Air Policing Mission.
RAF Typhoons would be made available to bolster the Polish detachment at Siauliai Air Base from April. It is likely that four aircraft would be deployed to match the four MiG-29 of the Polish Air Force.
The UK has contributed aircraft to the Baltic Air Policing Mission on one other occasion, with Tornado F.3 fighters in 2004, and this is the first time that it has offered to bolster another nation's detachment.
The offer was made as regional tensions continue to rise following the Russian invasion of the Ukrainian region of Crimea
UK's offer is the latest in a series of aircraft movements by both the West and Russia that are designed to send signals of intent rather than to boost actual regional combat capabilities.
The US Air Force has already bolstered its current Baltic Air Policing detachment of four Boeing F-15C Eagles with a further six aircraft, and has sent 12 Lockheed Martin F-16 to Poland. NATO and the UK have also dispatched Boeing E-3 Airborne Warning And Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft to patrol Eastern European airspace. For its part, Russia has sent six Su-27 'Flanker' fighters and a Beriev A-50 'Mainstay' airborne early warning aircraft to Belarus, and on 17 March Russia's Air Force Commander announced that 24 Su-27 fighters would be located at Baranovichi Air Base in Belarus by the end of the year.
janes

Russian deploys 6 Su-27 Flanker armed with Live missiles in Belarus

Russia has deployed six Sukhoi-27 Flankers and three support transport planes to Belarus, followingPresident Aleksandr Lukashenko’s request for help against potential NATO threat.
The Su-27s were spotted carrying live missiles in Russia’s standard peacetime QRA.
The deployment is said to be a response to NATO, that is deploying U.S. F-16 to Poland, and E-3 AWACS to Poland and Romania, in anticipation of the referendum on Mar. 16 that will decide whether Crimea will join Russia.
theaviationist

NATO planes will monitor Ukrainian border ahead of Sunday’s referendum to join Russia

NATO has announced it will deploy E-3 AWACS in Poland and Romania to monitor Ukraine’s airspace and has decided to dispatch surveillance planes with the aim to enhance the alliance’s situational awareness.
The E-3A AWACS will be stationed in Poland and Romania, but the monitor flights will only take place over alliance territory.
Since NATO E-3s are usually deployed to Turkey, from where they could keep an eye on aerial movements over Crimea, the decision to base the “flying radars” also in Poland and Romania seems to be another symbolic act in response to the Russian invasion of Crimea, ahead of Sunday’s referendum to join Russia; a sign that NATO planes can “watch” the movements of the Russians from both the eastern and southern borders.
Still, the news would have been much more relevant if platform specialized in mapping ground targets (as the E-8C Joint Stars or the RAF Sentinel R1) were involved in the operation: so far Moscow has mainly employed ultra-low-level flying helicopters that could be difficult to detect even for an E-3 at that distance.
The news of the deployment, comes on the same day the U.S. has started moving a squadron of F-16s to Lask, in Poland, for joint drills with the Poland Air Force.
theaviationist

First French AWACS aircraft passes through MLU

The first of four French Air Force Boeing E-3F AWACS) aircraft has passed through its mid-life upgrade (MLU), with the remainder set to follow by the end of 2016.
Boeing and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) have upgraded the aircraft's electrical, mechanical, and structural systems, and mission hardware, in a process that took eight months. The first MLU-upgraded E-3F will now undergo ground and flight tests at Avord Air Base before being delivered to the French Air Force later in 2014. This first aircraft is serial numbered 202.
Improvements include an enhanced primary AWACS display; an improved identification friend-or-foe (IFF) system; better combat identification capabilities; the Link 16 datalink; improved sensor and datalink integration through the multi-source integration process; an increase in the number of mission console stations from the current 10 to 14; upgraded computer processing equipment and battle-management tools as well as an open-system architecture.
janes

RAF Units Return From Cyprus

RAF units deployed to Cyprus as part of the UK response to the recent crisis in the Middle East have returned home.
Aircraft and personnel from 121 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) were sent to region earlier this year as a contingency measure to protect the two Sovereign Base Areas on the island, which are home to more than 6000 British service personnel.
The unit Typhoon jets, E-3D Sentry early warning aircraft, supported by Tristar air-to-air refuelling tankers, RAF Regiment Force Protection personnel, and fighter controllers.
Aircraft from 121 EAW were able to conduct sorties from Cyprus within hours of arriving on 24 August to reduce the threat potentially posed at the height of the recent turmoil.

They included;

· XI Squadron Typhoons from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire which over the two and a half months of the operation flew 224 sorties

· 8 Squadron E-3D Sentry aircraft from RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire which routinely flew 10 sorties, seven-days-a-week, to provide command and control of other aircraft.

· 216 Squadron Tristar tankers from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire which provided air-to-air refuelling.

· 1 Air Control Centre from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire which deployed its Type 101 radar to provide round-the-clock radar coverage and tactical control of aircraft during sorties.

· Number 5 Force Protection Wing from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire which assumed responsibility for security at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus within 12 hours of arriving.

The deployed force was followed by the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer HMS DRAGON.
The deployment also required RAF units to operate in a multinational environment including conducting joint operations with the American aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ and the French destroyer CHEVALIER PAUL.
raf

Japan Requests AWACS Upgrade

Japan is looking to purchase a Mission Computing Upgrade (MCU) for its four E-767 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) platforms.
The potential deal, disclosed on the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) website Friday morning, would net contractor Boeing an estimated $950 million.
The MCU would include a quartet of Electronic Support Measure systems, eight AN/UPX-40 Next Generation Identify Friend or Foe systems, eight AN/APX-119 IFF Transponders, and four Raytheon-developed KIV-77 Cryptographic Computers. Also included in the proposed deal are support and test equipment, as well as engineering and technical support.
The deal will require “multiple trips” to Japan involving both the US government and contractors over a period of eight years.
The E-767 is an AWACS platform designed for Japan. It is similar to the US E-3 Sentry, some of which are based at Kadena Air Force Base in Japan.
defensenews

NATO AWACS assists RNLAF to safeguard Dutch airspace

NATO AWACS radar aircraft were airborne April 30 from very early until very late, working with the Air Operations Control agency of the Royal Netherlands Air Force to safeguard Dutch airspace during the royal investiture ceremonies and festivities in Amsterdam.
The AWACS aircraft are often used for countering any airborne threat during major events of international significance, and today they were particularly focusing on monitoring all the air traffic in the airspace around Amsterdam.

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