MSGID: 2:292/854 14184a4b   
   TZUTC: 0200                     
   The Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, a military variant of the civilian 737, is no longer   
   being considered for monitoring the ageing AWACS radar aircraft currently   
   flying in Europe. NATO, including the US, previously targeted this type.   
       
   This summer, the United States announced its withdrawal from the project and   
   its intention to deploy the much smaller E-2D Hawkeye and satellites to take   
   over the AWACS aircraft.   
       
   With the US no longer a partner, the remaining partners would have to spend   
   significantly more on the planned purchase of the six E-7s. Alternatives are   
   now being explored.   
       
   The goal remains to have other, quieter aircraft operational by 2035. The US   
   withdrawal also demonstrates the importance of investing as much as possible   
   in European industry, it zqs sqid in NQTO circles.   
       
   The AWACS aircraft, with their distinctive rotating radar dish on the roof,   
   have been flying from Geilenkirchen Air Base since 1982. The aircraft are   
   quite outdated and quite noisy.   
       
   As an alternative to Boeing's E-7, NATO partners can choose from various   
   larger and smaller aircraft types from companies like Bombardier and Embraer,   
   with European suppliers like Saab supplying the necessary radar systems.   
       
   Countries such as Australia, Turkey, South Korea, and the United Kingdom are   
   already flying the E-7. Boeing also has a maritime variant of the 737, the P-8   
   Poseidon.   
      
   --- DB4 - 20230201   
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