RAF Receives First Boeing E-7 Wedgetail

The first Boeing E-7 Wedgetail Airbourne Early Warning (AEW) Mk1 aircraft for the RAF lands at RAF Lossiemouth on May 21, 2026 | Photo: UK Ministry of Defence/Crown Copyright

The first Boeing E-7 Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Mk1 aircraft intended for service with the Royal Air Force has arrived at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. The aircraft, carrying the registration WT001, landed on May 21, 2026, after departing from STS Aviation Services at Birmingham Airport.

WT001 is the first aircraft in the RAF’s planned Wedgetail fleet and will continue its Test and Evaluation phase at RAF Lossiemouth, which will serve as its future main operating base. The testing programme is being conducted jointly at MOD Boscombe Down and RAF Lossiemouth and is intended to support the aircraft’s progression toward operational service.

The aircraft was flown by a mixed crew made up of Boeing UK and RAF personnel. After testing is complete, Boeing UK is expected to formally hand the aircraft over to the RAF. It will then be operated by No. 8 Squadron.

The E-7 Wedgetail is designed to provide airborne early warning and control capabilities, including long-range surveillance, battle management, and command and control functions for air and joint operations. The platform is also in service with the air forces of Australia, South Korea and Türkiye.

The first Boeing E-7 Wedgetail Airbourne Early Warning (AEW) Mk1 aircraft with Boeing P-8A Poseidon Long Range Maritime Surveillance aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth | Photo: UK Ministry of Defence/ Crown Copyright

The aircraft will operate alongside the RAF’s fleet of nine Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth. Both aircraft types are based on the Boeing 737 Next Generation airframe, allowing support and maintenance commonality between the fleets.

Group Captain Sarah Brewin, Station Commander RAF Lossiemouth, said, “We are delighted to welcome the arrival of the first Wedgetail aircraft to RAF Lossiemouth to continue its Test and Evaluation phase. RAF Lossiemouth has been working hard to get ready to operate these aircraft, and we are looking forward very much to this next exciting chapter in the Station’s history when the aircraft enters RAF service.”

Stu Voboril, Boeing E-7 Vice President and Program Manager, said, “The E-7 will provide the UK with the world’s most advanced, capable and reliable Airborne Early Warning and Control platform, while supporting British industry through UK jobs and supply chain opportunities.”