Congress revives E-7 Wedgetail as Air Force secures $847M lifeline
Congress revives E-7 Wedgetail as Air Force secures $847M lifeline
Congress revives E-7 Wedgetail as Air Force secures $847M lifeline
The US Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail programme has received a major boost after Congress moved to block its cancellation. The Trump administration had planned to scrap the project in favour of a space-based system, but lawmakers have now authorised hundreds of millions in funding to keep it on track. A new contract for rapid prototypes has also been awarded to Boeing, ensuring the programme’s future for now. In June, the Trump administration announced plans to terminate the E-7 Wedgetail in favour of a space-based alternative. However, the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) now prevents its cancellation and allocates $846.7 million for development and procurement. The House passed the bill on Monday, and it currently awaits Senate approval.
Boeing has already secured a $2.6 billion contract to deliver two rapid prototypes by fiscal 2028. The Air Force will proceed with testing these prototypes as required by the NDAA. The E-7, already used by several US allies, remains a key asset for airborne surveillance. Alongside the Wedgetail, the Air Force is pushing for a fast-tracked Airborne Moving Target Indication (AMTI) capability. Unlike Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI), AMTI must track faster-moving threats, requiring different technical solutions. To avoid relying on a single contractor, multiple awards will be issued for AMTI development. The programme is jointly funded by the Air Force and a spy satellite agency, meaning oversight falls under several congressional committees.
The NDAA’s approval ensures the E-7 Wedgetail programme continues, with Boeing’s prototypes set for delivery by 2028. Meanwhile, the Air Force is accelerating AMTI development through multiple contracts to avoid delays. The decisions reflect a push to maintain airborne surveillance capabilities while exploring new technologies.