Proposed E-7 Wedgetail Operating Areas

Overview

Since 1991 the E-3D AEW Mk 1 Sentry has been the Royal Air Force’s AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) platform. The aircraft have also sat as part of the NATO AEW&C fleet, contributing a 25% share of force output on training and operations. Developments in technology elsewhere, and the ageing of the airframes, has reduced the operational effectiveness of the E-3D fleet and so, in 2018, the UK MOD elected to replace the E-3D with the more modern, 5^th generation E-7 AEW Mk1 Wedgetail. Currently operated by air forces in Australia, Turkey and South Korea, the aircraft represents a step change in capability and will bring the UK’s airborne command and control capability into the 21^st century. In order to capitalise on this new capability to the utmost, airspace change is required to enable most effective use of the E-7 sensor suite.

Why your views matter

The MoD would like the views of a wide range of stakeholders including:

1. National Air Traffic Services (NATS)
2. Eurocontrol
3. Aviation stakeholders

The purpose of this consultation period is to provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to comment on the proposed airspace design option. This feedback will be collated and analysed by the Change Sponsor and help to shape the final proposal that will be submitted to the CAA.

The key themes that the Change Sponsor is seeking to answer through consultation include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Your feedback on the airspace design presented
• The perceived effect of this proposal (positive or negative)
• Key concerns for stakeholders
• Mitigating factors that could be employed to minimise impact

The consulation period will commence on Monday 5th June 2023 and will close on Friday 25th August 2023