France Cleared for Possible E-2D Procurement

An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is cleared for takeoff from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. France would become the third nation to fly the E-2D after the U.S. and Japan. U.S. NAVY / Mass Communication Specialist Seaman 3rd Class Zachary Melvin

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale of Northrop Grumman-built E-2D Advanced Hawkeye command-and-control aircraft to the government of France, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a release.

If concluded, France would become the third nation to procure the E-2D after the United States and Japan.

The French navy operates E-2C Hawkeyes from its aircraft carrier, the Charles De Gaulle.

The estimated $2 billion sale includes three E-2Ds and their engines and avionics, including spares. Major components include Rolls-Royce T-56-427A turboprop engines, Lockheed Martin APY-9 radars and ALQ-217 electronic surveillance systems.

The sale also would include the Joint Mission Planning System as well as “air and ground crew equipment; support equipment; spare and repair parts; publications and technical documentation; transportation; training and training equipment; U.S. government and contractor logistics, engineering and technical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support,” the release said.

“The proposed sale will improve France’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing its naval air forces with a sustainable follow on capability to their current, legacy E-2C Hawkeye aircraft,” the release said.

“The E-2D aircraft will continue and expand French naval aviation capabilities and maintain interoperability with U.S. naval forces. As a current E-2C operator, France will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and support into its armed forces.

The prime contractor for the E-2D is Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. Aerospace Systems in Melbourne, Florida.