The US Navy (USN) has contracted Northrop Grumman to build and deliver a further 24 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.

The latest production award for Northrop Grumman brings the number of E-2Ds for the US Navy now under contract to 49. (Northrop Grumman)

The contract, announced on 10 April, covers lots 7–11 of the full-rate production run and is valued at USD3.17 billion. Work is expected to be completed in August 2026.

With this latest award, 49 of a total of 75 aircraft are now under contract.

The E-2D is the latest variant of the Hawkeye carrier-based AEW&C aircraft that has been in US naval service since the mid-1960s. The first E-2D was delivered to the navy in 2010, with initial operating capability for the type declared in 2014. The first operational sailing took place aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt in March 2015. Deliveries are set to be complete by 2025.

Source: Jane's