NATO selects new AEW Platform

[Manners79]

OK so it's been an open secret for a while but now it is official and announced at the Ankara NATO meeting:
https://www.government.se/press-releases/2026/07/n...
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/nato-buys-globaley...

It is a hugely capable platform (as is the Wedgetail that, until recently, was the way NATO was going but US Politics put paid to that).

Given world events the need for airborne early warning has never been greater, just at a time as the 'original' AWACS (E-3) is hitting retirement age all round the world. Fingers crossed for a smooth introduction and integration into service.

Edited by Manners79 on Tuesday 7th July 11:12

[Eric Mc]

What does it look like?

Is it based on a current airframe (Airbus, SAAB etc) or is it a brand new design?

[lufbramatt]

Eric Mc said:

What does it look like?

Is it based on a current airframe (Airbus, SAAB etc) or is it a brand new design?

Bombardier global 6000 with a big radar “sail” on the top

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GlobalEye

[Countdown]

It's a shame that this happened only after the USAF had cancelled the E-7. IMO we need to move away from US defence companies as much as possible.

[JoshSm]

Seems they opted for cheap and relatively disposable with minimal crew vs big, expensive and lots of crew.

The smaller platforms can do a lot but not quite the same as stuff like E-7. Have to wonder if it's driven by doctrine or budgets.

American wavering over Wedgetail seems like it's more politically driven.