The Ministry of Defence has stated the strategic importance of the E-7 Wedgetail early warning aircraft, while confirming that the programme remains under regular scrutiny to assess cost-effectiveness and ensure accountability.
Responding to questions from Conservative MP Mark Francois on 26 June, Defence Minister Maria Eagle said the UK remained in close contact with the United States on the future of the platform and its operational integration with allied forces.
“The Ministry of Defence have continual engagement with the US regarding the E-7 programme, specifically through the trilateral agreement and working groups established in 2022,” Eagle stated. “These focus on collaboration and interoperability as directed in a Joint Vision Statement signed in 2023.”
Eagle also underlined the operational rationale for the aircraft, which is due to replace the retired E-3D Sentry fleet in the RAF’s airborne early warning role.
“As highlighted in the recent Strategic Defence Review, the E-7 Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft provide significant advantages in warfighting, such as more persistent deep strike options,” she said. “Growth of the Royal Air Force Airborne Early Warning and Control capability was identified… as advantageous to the UK and NATO.”
On questions of financial oversight, the Minister confirmed that the programme is part of the Government Major Project Portfolio (GMPP), meaning it is monitored by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority.
“The Wedgetail programme is subject to regular reviews… who undertake regular assessment of the E-7 programme and report their findings at regular intervals through the GMPP,” she told MPs in response to Francois’s follow-up on cost-effectiveness.
The E-7 platform, based on the Boeing 737-700 and equipped with the Northrop Grumman MESA radar, has faced questions over cost, delivery delays and fleet size. The UK has committed to three aircraft, a reduction from the originally planned five.
We need Five. We have five radars.
No mention of them being very late and over budget then. Eagle is such a master of understatement.
Three aircraft , totally ridículous. Where is the increase in military capabilities announced by Starmer, ? Just bla bla bla.
I know 90% of contributors here aren’t exactly fans of the “Tango Man, Dorito Don, Commander-in-Tweet, Hair Furor, Taco Man, Don the Con.” but let’s be honest — we’ve all been calling for increased defence spending while enduring nothing but cuts.
So, I thought it was only right that, here in the UKDJ comments section, we set personal grudges aside and address the President directly.
I’ve written this on behalf of EVERY ONE OF US.
No need to thank me — it was my pleasure.
Mr. President, dear Donald,
We recognize that for far too long, our current and past governments have not given the security of this great nation the attention it deserves. We’ve grown accustomed to relying on the protective umbrella provided by your country, a commitment that has come at significant cost and effort on your part.
It must have been deeply frustrating at times to engage with indecisive leaders here in the UK, and even more so with certain officials across the continent who have often lacked seriousness when it comes to defence and responsibility.
Without going full Mark Rutte and getting on my knees — Mr. President, we sincerely appreciate your leadership and the pressure you’ve applied. You’ve helped push our leaders toward finally taking defence seriously (hopefully).
Thank you, Mr. President.
Sincerely,
UKDJ
Comments section
“NOT MY PRESIDENT”
A certain Mr Putin has had more influence than the orange shit gibbon.
Sanctions, efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy, and diplomatic condemnation were all strong and decisive moves by Europe… Still, everyone say it with me: “Thank you, POTUS.”
Most embarrassing that the US president had to wake up NATO including the UK from its complacency. Show how bad things were. Let’s hope Mr Starmer’s rhetoric is backed up by actions. Eg five E-7s, retain Albion and Bulwark etc etc . . .
With the new NATO spending commitments, Europe’s defence industry is set to grow at a sustainable pace. In hindsight, the U.S. military-industrial complex will come to regret the pressure Trump applied — it’s ultimately become a catalyst for European rearmament and industrial independence. For Europe, it’s a long-overdue win. We’ve relied too heavily on the U.S. for decades, but now, faced with real threats, we’re finally taking our own defence seriously.
“Thanks Daddy”
Standard Eagle Speak.
Nothing new to add, repeating same old.
A few hundred million saved cutting to 3.
And with the much vaunted 2.5, then 2.6, by spin techniques shoving the SIA into the figures, where is the cash for the other 2?
This is a spinathlon.
Unfortunately being carried out at 5th form level.
I wonder if the dog will have eaten the homework?
I’m starting to worry about how the MOD and HMG will actually use the increased defense budget. Just two weeks ago, the Strategic Defence Review team downplayed the option of acquiring F-35As to deliver U.S. free-fall nuclear bombs.
“Yes, we considered it. The fact that it’s not there indicates that we weren’t terribly enthusiastic about it,”
Weeks later…
That committed we still get only three! Eagle is clueless about anything military and defence related, just spouts off from a briefing sheet some lackey types up!