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E-2D refuels from French Rafale, A330 MRTT and A400M tankers

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) achieved a breakthrough in global airpower this summer, successfully refueling mid-air from three French-made tankers – a historic first that dramatically extends the Advanced Hawkeye’s reach and for seamless joint operations while providing unprecedented airborne surveillance capabilities.

According to a NAVAIR news release, as the photos in this post show, the French Navy and Air Force conducted qualitative aerial refueling testing with French Rafale, A330 MRTT and A400M tankers as a part of a collaborative effort between the E-2/C-2 Airborne Command & Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231) and France’s procurement agency, known as Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA).

DGA and the French Navy will continue additional aerial refueling testing and pilot training in France as they replace their E-2Cs beginning in 2028. France became the second international customer of the E-2D AHE in December 2020, procuring three French variant E-2D aircraft from the US Navy.

The E-2D AHE represents a two-generation leap in technology compared to its predecessor, the E-2C Hawkeye. The aircraft features a state-of-the-art radar and upgraded aircraft systems that improve supportability and increase readiness. The centerpiece of the E-2D AHE is the APY-9 radar system, designed specifically to provide enhanced surveillance detection and tracking capability against advanced threat aircraft and cruise missile systems in the overland, littoral and open ocean environments.

Enhanced ability to work in the littoral and over land

With the addition of aerial refueling capabilities, the E-2D remains the most advanced command and control platform in the world. Aerial refueling increases the range and endurance of the platform, and enhances its ability to provide continuous, long-range surveillance and battlefield management.

The E-2D continues the Navy’s integrated war fighting legacy by providing broad area coverage resulting in broader range capabilities. With the E-2D’s enhanced ability to work in the littoral and over land, the platform provides a critical capability to protect our nation’s interests.

E-2Ds for French Navy

As already reported, Northrop Grumman Corporation celebrated the start of production of the first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for the French Navy at the company’s St. Augustine manufacturing facility last December. The ceremony brought together representatives from the French Navy, Northrop Grumman, Naval Air Systems Command and Navy International Programs Office.

This milestone puts France on course to field the world’s premier airborne command and control aircraft.

• Northrop Grumman is contracted to produce three E-2D aircraft, the first of which is scheduled for delivery in 2027.
• The E-2Ds will replace France’s E-2C Hawkeye 2000 fleet, which has been in operation for over 25 years.
• The E-2D brings significant enhancements over its predecessors, including the ability for aerial refueling.

Beyond the battle group, the Hawkeye’s command and control capability makes it a multi-mission platform through its ability to coordinate concurrent missions that may arise during a single flight, to include: airborne strike, land force support, rescue operations, managing a reliable communications network between widely dispersed nodes and support for drug interdiction operations. The use of the new glass cockpit and tactical fourth operator display allows the five-person crew more flexibility in fulfilling these diverse missions.

Photo credit: U.S. Navy