Summary

  • E-3 Sentry is a mainstay of USAF AEW&C capabilities, recognizable for its rotating radar dome.
  • Beriev A-50U has been shot down twice and is rare and expensive for Russia.
  • E-7 Wedgetail, with an AESA radar antenna, will replace the E-3 Sentry in the US Air Force.

Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft are some of the most expensive and valuable aircraft in any air force’s inventory (they are also called Airborne Warning and Control Systems or AWACS). While they spy on the enemy, they are not intended to remain unseen unlike true spy planes. These aircraft carry powerful airborne radars to detect ships, other aircraft, missiles, and other targets and threats at great distances. Among other things, they can greatly enhance the capabilities of fighter jets. Here are five AEW&C aircraft to know about around the world.

1

E-3 Sentry

The E-3 Sentry has long been a mainstay of US Air Force AEW&C capabilities.

Developed from:

Boeing 707-320

Operators:

US Air Force, France, Saudi Arabia, NATO, Chile

Number in service:

32 (US Air Force)

The Boeing E-3 Sentry is one of the most iconic AEW&C aircraft in the world. It is one of the primary AWACS aircraft operated by the US Air Force and is instantly recognizable for its large rotating radar dome. The E-3 Sentry is a modified Boeing 707-320 commercial airframe with a rotating radar dome.

A USAF E-3 Sentry flying over a desert.

Photo: USAF

The system’s mobility enables the Sentry to have a greater chance of surviving in warfare than a fixed, ground-based radar system (plus it can see much further). The E-3 can fly a mission profile for around 8 hours without refueling, and it can remain on-station for longer with in-air refueling. The E-3 Sentry has been continuously serving the Air Force since 1977.

2

Beriev A-50

The impressive-looking A-50U has become notable for being shot down twice in the Ukraine war.

Developed from:

Ilyushin Il-76

Operators:

Russian Air Force, Indian Air Force

Number in service:

Perhaps 5 remaining upgraded A-50Us (Russian Air Force)

The Beriev A-50U is the upgraded variant of the Soviet Beriev A-50U (NATO reporting name Mainstay) AEW&C aircraft. The system is based on the Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft. It first flew in 1978, and Russia was thought to have less than ten of the upgraded A-50U standard in operational condition before the Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

A Russian Aerospace Forces Beriev A-50U flying in the sky.

This year, Russia has had two Beriev A-50Us shot down, and more may have been damaged or destroyed on the ground. These aircraft are extremely rare and expensive and have been a painful blow for Russia. Russia is also developing the successor to the A-50U called the Beriev A-100 (based on the Il-76MD-90A transport aircraft).

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3

Boeing RC-135 River Joint

The River Joint is one of the primary recon aircraft in British service and has been extensively used in observing the war in Ukraine.

Developed from:

Boeing C-135 Starlifter

Operators:

Royal Air Force, US Air Force

Number in service:

17 (US Air Force)

The Boeing RC-135 River Joint is a family of reconnaissance aircraft operated by the US Air Force and the Royal Air Force. It is a dedicated electronic surveillance aircraft and is used in all theaters on strategic and tactical missions. Its sensors are designed to ‘soak up’ electronic emissions from communications, radar, and other systems.

Boeing RC-135W ‘Rivet Joint’

Photo: USAF

The British have been extensively using their River Joint aircraft to monitor the war in Ukraine. This almost led to a confrontation with the Russians when a rogue Russian Su-27 fighter pilot fired two missiles at the British River Joint in international airspace over the Black Sea. One missile malfunctioned, and the other didn’t hit the aircraft for another unknown reason.

4

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

The Advanced Hawkeye has been a key part of the Navy’s situational awareness for many years.

Developed from:

Purpose built for role

Operators:

US Navy, Egypt, Taiwan, France, Mexico, Japan

Number in Service:

Approx. 83 (US Navy)

The United States Navy is arguably the second most powerful air force in the world, so it also needs AEW&C aircraft. However, it also needs smaller aircraft able to operate from its aircraft carriers. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye has served this need for many years —it is a carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft.

Northrop Grumman E-2D

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is based on an old twin-turboprop aircraft first developed in the late 1950s. For decades, the Hawkeye has played an important role in keeping the Navy out of harm’s way and advancing a full set of missions. Northop Grumman says it “delivers critical, actionable data to joint forces and first responders.”

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5

Boeing E-7 Wedgetail

The E-7 Wedgetail was built for the Aussies but is now being acquired by the United States Air Force.

Developed from:

Boeing 737 Next Generation

Operators:

Australia, South Korea, Turkey (planned US Air Force, United Kingdom, NATO)

Number in Service:

6 (Australian Air Force)

The Boeing E-7 Wedgetail has been selected as the replacement for the aging Boeing E-3 Sentry. It is based on the Boeing 737 Next Generation and has an active electronically scanned array radar antenna, unlike the iconic rotating disk seen on the Sentry. The E-7 Wedgetail was designed for the Royal Australian Air Force, but the US Air Force later announced they would also purchase it.

Australian E-7A Wedgetail

Photo: Royal Australian Air Force

It has the advantage of being a developed now-off-the-shelf product, allowing the US Air Force to start receiving it in 2027. This means the Air Force can be confident they will receive it on budget, which was the only available option, a ready-developed, combat-proven, and afforded solution for a near-turn replacement of the Sentry. Other nations, including Turkey, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, have also announced plans to purchase the new AEW&C aircraft.

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