In a significant upgrade to its aerial surveillance capabilities, NATO has approved the procurement of six Boeing (NYSE:BA) E-7A Wedgetail aircraft, with an investment totaling around $2.4 billion. The new fleet will replace the aging Boeing E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) that has been in service for over 40 years.

The decision, announced today, aligns with the alliance’s strategic defense initiatives. The E-7A Wedgetail is recognized for its advanced long-range detection capabilities and is currently in use or planned for adoption by several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Turkey. Australia has been operating the E-7A since achieving full operational capability in 2015 and notably deployed one to Germany earlier this year to support Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the critical role that AWACS have played in NATO operations, including the fight against ISIS and in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The new aircraft are expected to be operational by 2031 and will be central to NATO’s next-generation surveillance systems set to launch in the mid-2030s.

The E-7A will be primarily based at Geilenkirchen airbase in Europe but may operate from various forward locations across the continent to ensure comprehensive coverage. The introduction of these aircraft marks a new era for NATO’s collective defense capabilities, benefiting from pooled resources among member countries.

This strategic move comes after an Australian E-7A Wedgetail was dispatched to Germany last month, operating outside combat airspace to facilitate international humanitarian and military aid for Ukraine. The deployment underscored the aircraft’s utility in supporting counter-terrorism efforts and international defense collaboration.