Northrop Grumman has commenced production of the first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for the French Navy, ushering in a new era of airborne command and control capabilities for the European naval air arm. The symbolic event took place at Northrop Grumman’s St. Augustine manufacturing facility and saw key representatives from the French Navy, Northrop Grumman, and US Naval agencies in attendance.
Graphic: Northrop Grumman
France’s current airborne early warning and control capability is provided by a fleet of three E-2C Hawkeye 2000 aircraft, which entered service in 1998. France stands out as the only nation apart from the United States to operate the E-2C Hawkeye from an aircraft carrier, showcasing a unique level of naval air power projection. This capability has been instrumental in enabling interoperability exercises that involve Hawkeye aircraft and other assets from both the French and U.S. fleets. These aircraft have been the backbone of French carrier airpower, specifically supporting the Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group and providing a vital air defence umbrella. The French Navy’s E-2C Hawkeye 2000s have a distinguished history, with two being stationed on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier whenever the warship is underway. Over the years, these aircraft were upgraded to the Hawkeye 2000 standard, featuring the powerful APS-145 radar with a range of 250 nautical miles and the capacity to track 2,000 targets.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, set to replace the venerable E-2C, represents the pinnacle of airborne command and control technology. Its cutting-edge capabilities, which include the ability for aerial refuelling, extend its operational reach and endurance significantly. This next-generation platform, effective over both land and sea, will empower the French Navy with unmatched decision dominance in the increasingly complex battlespaces of tomorrow. The E-2D’s advanced systems provide real-time, comprehensive situational awareness, enabling commanders to make informed decisions and direct forces effectively. The aircraft’s role in providing decision dominance, both over land and sea, cannot be overstated.
The close relationship between Northrop Grumman and the French Navy has spanned over 25 years. Janice Zilch, vice president of multi-domain command and control programs at Northrop Grumman, underscored the strength of this partnership. “Our partnership with France goes back over 25 years. We are proud to have supported the French Navy with the Hawkeye 2000, and we look forward to providing a generational leap in decision dominance with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.”
Under the terms of the contract, Northrop Grumman will deliver a total of three E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes to the French Navy. The first aircraft is slated for delivery in 2027, marking the start of a new chapter in French naval aviation.
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