USAF E-7 Rapid Prototypes To Be Assembled In UK

LONDON–Boeing is to assemble the two rapid prototypes of its U.S. Air Force E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning platform in the UK, making use of the existing conversion line setup to support the aircraft being purchased by the Royal Air Force.

Boeing is currently producing the two 737-700 green airframes in Renton, Washington. These will be transferred to STS Aviation in Birmingham for conversion to E-7 configuration in 2026. STS’ facility is the only E-7 conversion site in the world, as Boeing has yet to ramp up E-7 conversion capabilities at Boeing Field, where conversions to military configuration normally would take place.

The two rapid prototypes will be the first E-7A models to be received by the U.S. Air Force. STS already has converted one 737-700 to the E-7 configuration for the Royal Air Force, while two more are in varying states of assembly.

According to the UK government, it will be the first significant role in aircraft manufacturing for the U.S. Air Force in the UK in more than 50 years.

The plans for UK assembly of U.S. Air Force E-7s emerges despite the Trump administration’s attempt to cancel the USAF’s E-7 program. The White House budget instead proposes the use of Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeyes and the development of space-based, air-moving target indication capabilities.

Earlier this week, the House of Representatives revealed a proposal to keep the Wedgetail program moving forward by providing up to $199.7 million to continue rapid prototyping of the 737-based aircraft and transition to production.

Additionally, $200 million in unobligated funds available to the department for E-7s under procurement would be transferred and merged with research and development funding for the overall program.

Delivery of the two aircraft is part of a wider, £150 billion ($203.3 billion) investment and technology deal by U.S. companies signed during the state visit of U.S. President Donald Trump on Sept. 17-18.

“The relationship between the UK and U.S. has never been stronger, and this new deal with Boeing creates and supports hundreds of jobs across the UK, making defense an engine for growth and strengthening our collective security,” UK Defense Secretary John Healey said.

“This deal is a vote of confidence in Britain’s world-leading defense industry and delivers on the commitments set out in our Strategic Defense Review and Defense Industrial Strategy, making us secure at home and strong abroad,” Healey added.

Wedgetail assembly for the U.S. Air Force will be a major boost to STS Aviation, which is converting three 737-700s into E-7s as part of a £1.89 billion contract with Boeing.

STS originally was to convert five 737s to the E-7 standard for the RAF, but the UK defense ministry cut the program by two aircraft to save money. As a result, the UK has ended up purchasing five sets of radars but with only three aircraft to fit them to. The Strategic Defense Review—published in June—stated an intention to try to expand the fleet beyond three, potentially in conjunction with allies in recognition of the shortfall in fleet size. The Wedgetail program has been controversial because of its slow pace, partly held up by post-pandemic supply chain issues and delays in approving the full business case for the program. The first of the three RAF aircraft, having made its public debut at the Royal International Air Tattoo in July, is now at Boscombe Down, England, being made ready for mission system testing. Entry into service with the RAF is planned for 2026.

Despite the government claims that the last major U.S. Air Force procurement manufactured in the UK was 50 years ago, it was arguably the purchase of the C-23 Sherpa, a derivative of the Belfast-made Shorts 330, which was ordered in 1983 and entered service in 1985.

Among the investments announced, U.S. firm Palantir is to invest £1.5 billion in the UK to set up a European headquarters and develop artificial intelligence (AI)-powered defense capabilities here.

In addition to defense projects, the technology partnership also includes joint plans between the U.S. NASA and the UK Space Agency to develop AI models for space applications, including supporting science and exploration missions.