The U.S. government recently authorized the potential sale of new AEW&C E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, intended for the South Korean Air Force to strengthen its airborne control and early warning capabilities, in a deal worth over $4.9 billion. This notification was sent by the Department of State to the U.S. Congress on November 4 via the customary official statement.
Delving into details, the South Korean government’s order includes a batch of four E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, 10 CFM56 engines (two of which will be used as spares), AN/AAR-57 AN/AAQ-24(V)N infrared countermeasure systems, GPS/INS inertial navigation systems, along with additional sensors and communication equipment. The potential acquisition also covers spare parts, technical support from the U.S. government, transport, and training for South Korean personnel to ensure the aircraft’s operational readiness.
On this matter, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated, “This proposed sale will enhance the Republic of Korea’s ability to respond to current and future threats by providing greater intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and airborne early warning and control capabilities. It will also increase the interoperability of the Republic of Korea Air Force in command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) with the United States. Korea will have no difficulty incorporating this equipment and support into its armed forces.”
Regarding the primary contractor involved in this acquisition, Boeing Company, based in Renton, Washington, has been designated for the project. According to the DSCA release, there will be no need for U.S. government or contractor representatives to be deployed, nor will new offsets be required to finalize the agreement.
A few relevant aspects of the E-7 Wedgetail platform should be highlighted: the aircraft was recently selected by the U.S. Air Force as a replacement for its aging E-3 Sentry used in AEW&C missions and is currently in service with the Air Forces of Australia, the United Kingdom, and NATO’s Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) Project. South Korea already operates a fleet of four E-7 Peace Eye aircraft, having awarded Boeing a contract in 2006 for over $1.6 billion, with the last aircraft delivered in 2012.
Each unit, based on a Boeing 737, integrates an advanced Airborne Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) and a long-range MESA radar, among other components operated by a crew of 12 (including two pilots). In terms of range, the platform is capable of reaching 6,482 kilometers without refueling and can fly at altitudes of up to 41,000 feet.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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