British Defence Officials Express Frustration With US Manufacturer

The UK Ministry of Defence has expressed frustration with Boeing over delays in the delivery of the E-7 Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. According to Rupert Pearce, national armaments director, Boeing’s internal difficulties and certification issues have contributed to the delays. The UK originally planned to field the aircraft in the early 2020s but has now pushed the timeline to 2026. The program has been plagued by challenges, including a reduced buy from five to three aircraft on cost grounds. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.