Polish F-16s stationed in Lithuania, in conjunction with Dutch F-35s and US F-15s deployed in Poland, recently conducted an integration training exercise involving fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
The scenario simulated peer threats and was designed to test the fighter jets’ tactics, techniques, and procedures in a complex, contested air environment.
During the mission, Joint Tactical Attack Controllers from the Estonian Armed Forces provided live targeting information and enhanced air-land coordination.
“This activity provides a unique opportunity for Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35s to train and integrate with Allied fighters, working together in a complex and dynamic environment,” Lieutenant Colonel Guido “Plebs” Schols, Commander RNLAF F-35 Detachment, Poland.
“Harnessing the full potential of our new 5th Gen systems alongside existing 4th Gen assets is critical for NATO’s robust ability to meet emerging and evolving strategic challenges.”
As part of NATO’s efforts to reinforce its defensive posture along the eastern flank, eight Dutch F-35s were deployed to Malbork, Poland in February and March 2023.
While four of these fifth-generation fighters will be utilised for aerial surveillance in the region, the remaining four aircraft will be available for training with allies or for augmenting the defensive mission as necessary.
is that an active ayatollah tomcat on the prowl
…my bad identified that wrongly
It’s one of the overlooked aspects of AWACS and AEW that with the F35 you may not need it or the requirements can be greatly reduced. The low probability intercept capability of the AESA radar and its ability to share information with other platforms might actually be better than most AWACS capabilities and it’s on a dramatically more survivable platform.
agree so much more situational awareness available
That’s why we need the additional two E-7 Wedgetails.
“The three E-7 Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft due to enter service with the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) will cost £630m each, despite savings resulting from reducing the planned buy down from an initial five platforms.14 Dec 2022
“Like the E-3, the E-7 is a radar plane. Unlike the E-3, Wedgetail does not have a mechanically rotating radar. Instead, it carries a “multirole electronically scanned array” atop its fuselage that requires no moving parts to steer the radar beam, and detects a more diverse array of airborne threats at a greater distance (over 360 miles compared with 250 miles for E-3).
Wedgetail also uses its radar antenna to collect electronic intelligence to a range of over 500 miles, according to open sources. The E-7 can perform multiple functions simultaneously, with space for up to twelve mission crew onboard that analyze collected signals and securely share vital information with other friendly forces.”
Fingers crossed!
“Once the program is officially started, there are other ways the Air Force can compress the Wedgetail’s timeline to fielding, Wert suggested. The United Kingdom is currently buying three E-7s to replace its own AWACS fleet, and the aircraft is expected to be in service by 2023.
“We see tremendous opportunities to accelerate test and evaluation, given that we’re buying a system very similar to the U.K. E-7,” Wert said. “Much of the testing can actually be done on a U.K. E-7 or a Wedgetail. So tremendous opportunities, especially with test and evaluation.”
The Air Force conducting tests for a new airframe on another nation’s aircraft would underscore the deep relationship between USAF and the Royal Air Force. And it could also serve a purpose for the RAF as well. Wert noted that the British “would like a few more [E-7s] as well,” and testing new capabilities for the U.S. could aid that push.”
Again the article you have quoted fails to mention that Boeing pushed the price up so we could only get 3 for the allocated budget that was based on Boeing’s original cost for 5.
Not surprising they increased the price, Boeing has been haemorrhaging money with only two profitable quarters since the 737 Max was grounded. Along with that it has issues with quality control on commercial airliners, problems with delivering the new USAF tanker fleet, and running late on it’s Starliner capsule, etc, etc.
By how much?
Wednesday, Feb 1
British air chief eyes return to five-strong Wedgetail buy
Responding to a question in Parliament last December, Defence Procurement Minister Alex Chalk said the original estimated acquisition cost for five E-7 Wedgetail aircraft program was £2.16 billion, or $2.67 billion The current forecast for the three aircraft program is £1.89 billion, or $2.34 billion.
Yet the money is only available for 3. 5 is a wish list, with no confirmed extra funding to purchase an two additional aircraft.
ROBERT BLAY
Caught red-handed again telling porkies to cover up his lack of knowledge on any given subject to gain some credibility filled with cheap comments to fill in the gaps. How very sad.
January 15 2023 19:43
“I think this article explains it in plain enough English for you Nigel from a reputable website. I know you love a link. Or do you still think 6th gen will be available from 2025? that was a cracker of a prediction.”
REPLY
No doubt the clown in the room didn’t read my post on UKDJ fifteen days ago regarding Tempest and makes a complete fool of himself once again.
Give it up Blay and stay off the wine, even I feel embarrassed for you.
UKDJ December 28 2022
F135 engine upgrade receives £62m funding boost
Some good news nonetheless!
“The UK MoD FCAS director, Richard Berthon, told Airforce Technology that a single supersonic demonstrator aircraft will be manufactured for the 2027 first flight, although declined to comment on which systems will be initially tested on the platform.
“The flight itself is one milestone of many milestones,” Berthon said.
Work in progress
The design has also flown 100 hours digitally, testing key elements ahead of the start of platform manufacture, while the flight demonstrator platform was described by officials as being “low observable”.
On 18 July engine manufacturers, Rolls-Royce also presented details of Project Orpheus, a programme to develop and run a new design jet turbine in under 18 months, which would be used to inform propulsion requirements for Tempest.”
LINK