France confirms order for three E-2D Hawkeye

On 20 November 2020, the French Ministry of Defence confirmed the order for three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft.

The new Hawkeyes will replace the three E-2C Hawkeyes currently in use with the Aéronautique Navale (AN, French Navy). The Advanced Hawkeye will offer additional capabilities including in-flight refueling.

On 6 July 2020, the US State Department made the determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to France of three E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes and related equipment for an estimated cost of USD 2 billion.

The first delivery will take place in 2027 to ensure the continuity of operational capabilities between the current E-2C Hawkeye and the new aircraft. The French Navy currently operates three E-2C Hawkeyes with 4 Flotille (4F) at Lorient/Lann-Bihoué.

Photo: Johan Boerman (Scramble Magazine Archive)