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US Air Force Maintains Opposition to More E-7A Buys Despite New Solicitation

The U.S. Air Force has issued a formal solicitation to gather information on acquiring more E-7A Wedgetail aircraft. This action, however, directly contradicts the service's official stance, which favors capping the fleet at the currently planned 26 jets. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has publicly stated that the service's analysis shows this number is sufficient for its global mission requirements. The new inquiry is largely viewed as a response to significant Congressional pressure to expand the airborne early warning and control fleet. This creates a clear conflict between the service's long-term procurement strategy and legislative priorities for the program.

Official Source: https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/despite-solicitation-us-air-force-still-against-more-e-7a-buys