French MPs call for AWACS aircraft to be replaced by 2025.

According to information published by Opex360 on November 11, 2024, a recent parliamentary report has highlighted the urgent need to accelerate the replacement of the E-3F AWACS aircraft operated by the French Air Force.
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Urgent Call for Modernization: A new report highlights the need for France to replace its aging E-3F AWACS fleet by 2035. (Picture source: French MoD)

The report points out that prolonging the service life of the current E-3F fleet until 2035 could be counterproductive. Not only would it strain operational readiness, but it would also significantly increase maintenance costs. The report, therefore, recommends a 2025 timeline for launching a replacement program as part of the next annual adjustment of the military budget.

AWACS

The French E-3F AWACS, a heavily modified Boeing 707, features Northrop Grumman’s AN/APY-1/2 radar system within its rotating rotodome, which offers 360-degree coverage. This radar can detect airborne threats up to 400 kilometers (250 miles) away and maritime targets up to 600 kilometers (370 miles) depending on altitude and radar settings. Operating in the S-band, the radar provides three-dimensional data on range, bearing, and altitude, allowing precise threat tracking.

For onboard systems, the E-3F integrates sophisticated data links including Link 16, which enables secure, high-speed data sharing with NATO and allied forces. This connectivity supports its role in network-centric warfare, enabling it to serve as a command hub that relays information in real-time across air and ground forces.

Its radar dome, or rotodome, is 9.1 meters (30 feet) in diameter and rotates once every ten seconds, which is crucial for the radar’s continuous scanning capability. The rotodome uses pulse-Doppler technology to distinguish fast-moving aircraft from slower-moving ground clutter.

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France currently operates four E-3F Sentry AWACS aircraft, which have been pivotal in providing all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications. However, these platforms are becoming increasingly outdated, facing challenges in maintenance and operational efficiency. The need for enhanced capabilities to address evolving threats has prompted the consideration of more advanced replacements.

In early 2024, reports emerged indicating that France is considering the acquisition of the Saab GlobalEye system to replace its E-3F fleet. The GlobalEye, developed by Swedish defense manufacturer Saab, is a multi-role AEW&C platform based on the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet. It integrates advanced radar and sensor technologies, offering extended surveillance range and multi-domain operational capabilities. This system has already been adopted by countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Sweden.

While the GlobalEye is a strong contender, other platforms are also under consideration. The Boeing E-7A Wedgetail, for instance, has been selected by several NATO allies, including the United Kingdom and the United States, as a replacement for their aging AWACS fleets. The E-7A offers advanced radar capabilities and has been recognized for its operational effectiveness.