Last week, France's government signed an agreement with the U.S. government marking their intent to purchase the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft from Northrop Grumman Corporation. Sometimes called an "electronic quarterback," the E-2D is an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system designed for long-range detection of aircraft and ships. The deal, worth up to $2 billion, includes three E-2D aircraft, engineering, spare parts, support equipment, training, and follow-on support. The company anticipates a contract award next year with aircraft delivery to the French Navy by 2028.
"The procurement of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye will provide France a generational leap in capability for unparalleled situational awareness for their air defense fleets," said Janice Zilch, vice president, manned airborne surveillance programs, Northrop Grumman. "We have a long standing relationship with France as it transitions to E-2D's from a two-decade legacy of E-2C aircraft."
Only The American And French Navies Operate The E-2 Hawkeye From Aircraft Carriers.
The French Navy is the only other military branch, besides the U.S. Navy, that operates its E-2 Hawkeyes from aircraft carriers. This capability enables interoperability to support Hawkeyes from each other's carrier flight decks. According to the United States Naval Institute, interoperability allows both navies to conduct repairs and maintenance on each other's planes and share spare parts. This flexibility can be critical during joint operations and mutual participation in international task forces. France, which has been flying E-2C Hawkeyes since 1998, will be the second international operator of the E-2D Hawkeye. To date, Japan's Air Self Defense Force has purchased 13 of the latest model AEW&C aircraft.
E-2 Hawkeye Combat Duty Began With The Vietnam War
The twin-turboprop E-2 Hawkeye first entered service in 1964 as the inaugural E-2A variant and saw combat duty during the Vietnam War. According to the U.S. Navy, the E-2D has an 80.6-foot wingspan and a 57.7-foot length. This latest model is powered by two Rolls-Royce Turboprop engines, each producing 5,100 horsepower and providing a maximum speed exceeding 300 knots. The five-person crew includes two pilots and three mission system operators. Data is collected through the rotating 24-foot diameter radar dome secured to the plane's upper fuselage.
A U.S. Navy news release cites the E-2D Hawkeye as a two-generation leap in technology compared to its predecessor, the E-2C Hawkeye. This latest model's centerpiece is the APY-9 radar system, which provides enhanced surveillance detection and tracking capability. The release adds, "With the addition of aerial refueling capabilities, the E-2D remains the most advanced command and control platform in the world."
Sources: Northrup Grumman, U.S. Navy