The future of the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft program, which is set to replace the aging E-3 Sentry AWACS fleet stationed at Tinker Air Force Base, is uncertain as the Department of Defense considers canceling the program in its latest budget proposal.
Defense officials are reportedly exploring a shift away from airborne surveillance platforms like the Wedgetail in favor of space-based systems that rely on satellites for real-time tracking and communication. The move has sparked concern from Oklahoma’s congressional delegation, which views the aircraft as critical to both national security and the state’s economy.
Production delays from Boeing, the manufacturer responsible for the E-7, are believed to be contributing to the Department’s reevaluation of the program. Ongoing issues with contract delivery timelines have affected multiple Boeing projects in recent years, and the slow rollout of the Wedgetail appears to be no exception…