WASHINGTON — A sweeping upgrade for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye has passed a key development milestone, teeing up the program to deliver the first overhauled radar plane by the end of the decade, according to the US Navy and manufacturer Northrop Grumman.
In a press release Monday, the Navy announced that a Block II upgrade for the Advanced Hawkeye passed what’s known as a critical design review, which assesses whether a new system will meet its expected requirements. According to the Navy, the Block II effort includes a range of features like an updated cockpit, open mission systems architecture and enhanced computing power.
“By integrating an Open Mission Systems architecture, the program resolves current and future parts obsolescence and enables rapid, non-proprietary technology insertion,” the Navy said in its release. The service added that cockpit and flight system improvements “will significantly reduce pilot workload and elevate situational awareness,” enabling “crews to focus on complex battle management.”
The E-2D is a carrier-capable, tactical airborne early warning aircraft that sports a large radar to help detect inbound threats and whose crew manage other forces in battle. The Block II upgrade for the turboprop aircraft “ensure[s] the E-2D remains the premier node for airborne command and control, providing the resilient, lethal edge required to secure maritime dominance,” according to the Navy’s release.
The Navy expects flight testing for the upgrade will kick off in fiscal year 2029. Northrop in its own release called the Block II effort “the most significant upgrade since E-2D’s development” and said that revamped aircraft will be delivered “by the end of the decade.” The company plans to retrofit existing aircraft and incorporate the Block II upgrade in new planes in production.
“Completing the Block II critical design review reflects the dedication and expertise of our team and partners,” Janice Zilch, Northrop vice president and program manager for the E-2D, said in the company’s release.
Although primarily serving airborne command and control operations, the E-2D is capable of coordinating “concurrent missions” including airborne strike, land force support and rescue operations, according to NAVAIR.
Acquisition reform at the speed of war
As part of the DoW’s acquisition transformation, streamlined processes must be extended to all companies in the defense industrial base.
The aircraft most recently played a role in Operation Epic Fury against Iran, alongside a wide variety of US assets stretching from bombers and fighter jets to helicopters, one way attack drones, destroyers and submarines, per a DoD fact sheet [PDF]. The Pentagon previously aimed to axe a similar radar plane program for the Air Force — the E-7 Wedgetail — and buy more E-2Ds as a stopgap, but development of the E-7 resumed after lawmakers balked at the move.
Alongside the US, Japan currently operates the E-2D, and France is expected to get its first Advanced Hawkeye in 2027.
Tim Martin contributed reporting from Belfast.