US Navy clears E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II upgrade critical design review

Published Aug 18, 04:33 PM UTC

The US Navy and Northrop Grumman announced that the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II upgrade has passed a critical design review, a key development milestone. The upgrade includes an updated cockpit, open mission systems architecture, and enhanced computing power to reduce pilot workload and improve situational awareness. Flight testing is expected to begin in fiscal year 2029, with first deliveries of the overhauled aircraft by the end of the decade. Northrop Grumman plans to retrofit existing aircraft and incorporate the upgrade into new production planes. The E-2D is a carrier-capable airborne early warning aircraft used for command and control, and recently participated in Operation Epic Fury against Iran. Japan currently operates the E-2D, and France is expected to receive its first Advanced Hawkeye in 2027.