E-2D Adv Hawkeye

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) program is a major Navy aircraft procurement initiative under Budget Line Item 0195, focused on acquiring and supporting the E-2D AHE, an all-weather, twin-engine, carrier-based Airborne Command, Control, and Surveillance aircraft. The program's primary goal is to extend the defense perimeter of naval task forces by providing advanced warning of approaching enemy surface units and aircraft, vectoring interceptors or strike aircraft, and supporting area surveillance, search and rescue, communications relay, and strike/air traffic control operations.

The E-2D AHE is designed to enhance battlespace target detection and situational awareness, particularly in littoral environments, and to support Theater Air Missile Defense operations while improving operational availability for the fleet.

In FY 2026, the program's objectives include the procurement of four additional E-2D aircraft, bringing the total funded quantity to 86, in line with requirements identified in the July 2019 R3B memo. This increase addresses fleet shortfalls due to insufficient pipeline and scheduled aircraft modifications. The procurement is managed by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), with Northrop Grumman Systems in Florida serving as the primary contractor for both airframe and electronics components.

The FY 2026 request also includes funding for production line shutdown activities, government engineering and logistics support, and the establishment of E-2D organic depot capability in accordance with Title 10 U.S. Code 2464, which mandates core logistics capability for sustainment.

Airframe/CFE Procurement is a key line item, with objectives centered on acquiring the physical aircraft structures and contractor-furnished equipment (CFE). For FY 2026, four airframes are funded at single-year pricing, with contract award scheduled for August 2026 and deliveries expected by April 2029. The procurement process involves fixed-price incentive contracts to ensure cost control and schedule adherence. Congressional adds in previous years have supplemented the base procurement, with additional aircraft awarded on separate contract line items and scheduled for delivery in subsequent fiscal years.

CFE Electronics Procurement focuses on the acquisition of advanced electronic systems integral to the E-2D's mission capabilities, including radar, communications, and battle management systems. In FY 2026, four sets of electronics are funded, also at single-year pricing, with Northrop Grumman as the supplier. These procurements are critical for maintaining the technological edge of the E-2D fleet, enabling improved detection, tracking, and coordination functions. Congressional adds in FY 2023 and FY 2024 have similarly funded additional electronics sets, with delivery timelines aligned to airframe procurement schedules.

Production Line Shutdown and Non-Recurring Engineering are significant support activities funded in FY 2026. The shutdown process involves the disposition (destroy, store, or reuse) of tools and equipment, transition of technical data, and securing data rights to support depot-level repairs and software support in a post-production environment.

Non-recurring engineering funds address obsolescence, first article inspections, engine acceptance test procedures, software support, and planning for tools and equipment. These activities ensure a smooth transition from production to sustainment and depot operations, preserving long-term fleet readiness.

Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and Production Engineering Support are also funded to provide government oversight and technical support for aircraft delivery through FY 2028. ILS activities include logistics planning, training equipment, technical publications, and peculiar support equipment procurement, all aimed at establishing and maintaining the E-2D's organic depot capability. Production engineering support ensures that technical and engineering requirements are met during the final stages of aircraft delivery and transition to operational units.