The completion of aerial refueling testing with French tankers is one other step in direction of the introduction of the E-2D Superior Hawkeye within the French Navy.
The U.S. Naval Air Methods Command (NAVAIR) introduced that this summer season the E-2D Superior Hawkeye efficiently refueled mid-air from three French-made tankers – the Rafale in buddy tanker configuration, A330 MRTT Phénix, and A400M. The French Navy and the Air and House Power performed qualitative aerial refueling testing with the three belongings as part of a collaborative effort between the E-2/C-2 Airborne Command & Management Methods Program Workplace (PMA-231) and France’s Path Générale de l’Armement (DGA).
NAVAIR this a “breakthrough in international airpower” and “a historic first that dramatically extends the Superior Hawkeye’s attain and for seamless joint operations whereas offering unprecedented airborne surveillance capabilities.” This effort follows earlier work introduced in Might 2025 to certify the Rafale to refuel the F/A-18 household of jets.
E-2D Breakthrough! The E-2D Superior Hawkeye efficiently refueled mid-air from 3 French tankers (Rafale, MRTT, A400M)—a historic first! This extends its vary for steady surveillance, boosting joint #Lethality & #Readiness. #Warfighting #NavalAviation pic.twitter.com/lkXjZ0DPsU
— NAVAIR (@NAVAIRNews) September 27, 2025
E-2D Refueling Certification
France is getting ready for the introduction of the E-2D Superior Hawkeye which, in comparison with the older E-2C, integrates an air refueling functionality. Due to this, the DGA launched a sequence of actions to make certain the E-2D can use this functionality as soon as it arrives in France.
A primary take a look at in late 2024 noticed a Rafale M refuel an A400M cargo plane with the brand new NARANG (nacelle de ravitaillement nouvelle era, new era refueling pod) buddy refueling pod. The A400M acted as a surrogate receiver, simulating an E-2D, in the course of the testing of NARANG, which will likely be employed by the French Navy’s Rafale whereas at sea to refuel different plane launched into the Charles the Gaulle plane service.
A Rafale M was then deployed to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, earlier this 12 months, the place new exams have been performed to allow the Rafale to refuel the F/A-18C/D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Tremendous Hornet and EA-18G Growler. On that event, the U.S. Navy stated “the tanker qualification partnership paves the best way for an prolonged attain and enhanced interoperability for allied airpower.”
Now, in the course of the summer season, an precise E-2D was used to certify the Rafale, A400M and A330 MRTT for the refueling. The main points of the take a look at marketing campaign haven’t been launched, though it seems it was performed once more at NAS Patuxent River.
The DGA and the French Navy will conduct further aerial refueling testing and pilot coaching in France, says NAVAIR. The primary of three E-2Ds, at present in manufacturing, is anticipated to reach in France in 2028.
The French E-2D acquisition
France has been working three E-2C Hawkeye plane for the reason that early 2000s as the one overseas operator of the sort on an plane service, beside the U.S. Navy. In 2020, the French Ministry of Armed Forces introduced the approval of the acquisition of three new E-2Ds as alternative, with a International Navy Gross sales (FMS) settlement with the U.S. authorities accepted in July that 12 months.
The three E-2Ds are scheduled to be delivered by 2028, making France the second worldwide operator of the sort, stated NAVAIR shortly after the signing of the Letter of Provide and Acceptance in December 2020. The acquisition follows, in reality, the procurement by Japan of 13 Hawkeyes, later elevated to 18.
As talked about earlier, the French plane can have an air refueling functionality much like the U.S. Navy’s plane. One other variation would be the integration of a pc, developed by the French Aerospace Business Service (SIAé), which can assure an autonomous improve functionality as per French necessities.
In December 2024, Northrop Grumman has introduced the beginning of manufacturing of the primary E-2D for the French Navy on the firm’s St. Augustine manufacturing facility in Florida.
The E-2D Superior Hawkeye
The E-2D Superior Hawkeye (AHE) represents the most recent evolution within the E-2 sequence, which has been the spine of U.S. Navy’s airborne early warning and battle administration capabilities for many years. This next-generation mannequin brings a set of superior upgrades, making it much more succesful and versatile than its predecessors, with enhancements designed to make sure it meets the wants of contemporary warfare.
On the core of the E-2D is a state-of-the-art radar that gives what the U.S. Navy describes as a “two-generation leap” in functionality over earlier fashions. This superior radar system dramatically will increase detection vary, goal decision, and monitoring accuracy. The radar enhancements, mixed with different system upgrades, permit the E-2D to cowl huge areas each at sea and over land, enhancing situational consciousness for the fleet.
Not like earlier fashions, the E-2D goes past merely relaying data, functioning as a extremely built-in command and management node in a “digital quarterback” function. This makes it important in managing numerous, concurrent missions, whether or not directing airborne strike operations, coordinating with floor forces, supporting search and rescue efforts, or serving as a communications hub throughout a dispersed fleet.
