Northrop Grumman has commenced production of the first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for the French Navy at its St. Augustine, Florida facility. This aircraft is part of a significant $353.6 million contract awarded in 2021, under which Northrop Grumman will manufacture three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft for France. The first of these aircraft is slated for delivery in 2027.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is set to replace France’s aging fleet of E-2C Hawkeye 2000 aircraft, which have been in operational service for over 25 years. The new platform is expected to bring a multitude of enhancements over its predecessor, including a key capability for aerial refueling, thereby extending its operational range and effectiveness.
In a statement, Janice Zilch, Northrop’s Vice President of multi-domain command and control programs, expressed pride in the longstanding partnership with the French Navy, noting, “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.”
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is described by Northrop Grumman as a “digital quarterback” in the realm of battle management command and control. This aircraft is engineered to enhance operational safety across a range of missions, including missile defense, border security, and coordinated battlefield operations.
To further bolstering situational awareness, the E-2D is equipped with a state-of-the-art 360-degree radar system that incorporates both mechanical and electronic scanning capabilities. Additionally, the aircraft features an all-glass tactical cockpit and an advanced Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system. Its open architecture design facilitates rapid updates and integrations, ensuring that the aircraft remains at the cutting edge of technology as mission requirements evolve.
