Canada plans to spend more than CDN$5 billion ($3.65 billion) on the acquisition of airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft, defense officials have confirmed.
Large spans of water and a lack of strategic depth in some countries make airborne early warning assets a valuable commodity for air forces in the region.
The decision to select the E-7 has been made by a consortium of nations including Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania and the U.S.
The Boeing E-7 Wedgetail buy is described as “extremely poor value for money,” with the UK paying £1.89 billion for three, rather than £2.15 billion for five.
Fifteen years after a B-52 standoff jammers idea was shelved, the venerable bomber will audition for a role as a primary airborne electronic attack platform.
Australia, the UK and the U.S. in July signed a cooperation agreement to work together on future upgrades to the E-7A, with a focus on interoperability.
By Jen DiMascio, Steve Trimble, Brian Everstine, Joe Anselmo
Aviation Week editors talk with the Boeing Defense, Space and Security president about his focus on regaining stability for major development programs.