E-2 Series

The E-2 Series line item in the Department of the Navy's FY 2026 Aircraft Procurement budget funds a range of modifications to the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft fleet. The E-2 is a carrier-based, all-weather airborne early warning and command and control platform, providing extended radar surveillance, strike control, search and rescue assistance, and tactical data exchange. The primary objective of this budget line is to ensure the E-2 fleet remains operationally relevant, technologically current, and capable of supporting evolving mission requirements through targeted upgrades and modifications.

Modifications include the integration of the Embedded National Tactical Receiver (ENTR) system, which enables E-2D aircraft to receive real-time intelligence data from national assets. This capability compresses the tactical engagement timeline for Naval Integrated Fire Control kill chains by providing emergent threat and combat identification data directly to the aircraft. The ENTR system addresses a capability gap identified in Fleet Forces Command wargaming and replaces the obsolete legacy receiver.

Structural enhancements are focused on improving the integrity of the E-2 airframe and engine, addressing safety, reliability, and obsolescence issues. These upgrades are designed to enable the aircraft to reach its full service life, remove performance restrictions, and mitigate risks of grounding due to structural deficiencies. Changes include updates to the wing center section and installation of crash-survivable flight recorders, along with associated updates to training devices.

The E-2D Aerial Refueling modification equips the aircraft with the capability to receive fuel from both organic and non-organic tanker aircraft, increasing its range, endurance, and mission persistence. This upgrade supports expanded battlespace surveillance and targeting, and is being incorporated into production starting with later aircraft.

Upgrades to secure, text-based tactical communications (SIPR Chat) and real-time tasking tools reflect the shift from voice to internet protocol-based command and control communications. The program includes both an interim Hybrid Beyond Line of Sight solution and a fully integrated system, providing critical collaboration capabilities to multiple operators aboard the aircraft.

Navigational Warfare (NAVWAR) modifications allow the E-2D to operate in environments where GPS signals may be degraded or denied. The upgrade includes advanced antennas and electronics to support new GPS signals, enhanced cryptology, and improved anti-jam and anti-spoofing capabilities, ensuring continuous operations for mission areas dependent on precise navigation and timing.

The Advanced Radar Processor (ARP) upgrade significantly enhances the E-2D's radar system, increasing processing capability, reducing production and support costs, and addressing obsolescence. This upgrade supports future science and technology investments, including counter-electronic attack and sensor netting.

Technology upgrades address obsolescence, urgent operational needs, and flight safety issues across mission systems, communications, navigation, and data links. These improvements include both hardware and software updates, such as avionics, displays, and electronic sensors. The program is also integrating new satellite communications capability, providing robust, survivable beyond line-of-sight communications and improved bandwidth for data and voice.

Datalink upgrades address mandated crypto modernization and frequency remapping requirements, integrating new capabilities for secure information exchange and compliance with National Security Agency and Department of Defense mandates. These enhancements support time-sensitive targeting and improve interoperability.

Electronic Support Measures upgrades enhance combat identification and battlespace awareness by integrating digital receiver and processing technology, enabling multi-ship geolocation and netted detection of advanced threat radar systems. This digital upgrade supports improved effectiveness of blue forces and aligns with Fleet and electronic warfare priorities.

Precision Approach Landing Capability upgrades address the transition from legacy carrier landing systems by integrating new landing system technologies and beacons. This ensures E-2D compatibility with new carrier landing systems, supporting approaches in all operational environments and aligning with the Navy's phased fielding approach.