Production of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for France taken up

The Northrop Grumman Corporation announced that the production of the first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for the Marine Nationale (Aéronavale, French Navy) started on 10 December 2024. It was celebrated at the company’s St. Augustine (FL) manufacturing facility. The ceremony brought together representatives from the Marine Nationale, Northrop Grumman, U.S. Naval Air Systems Command and Navy International Programs Office.

Northrop Grumman is contracted to produce three E-2D aircraft, the first of which is scheduled for delivery in 2027. These new machines will replace France’s E-2C Hawkeye 2000 fleet, which has been in operation for over 25 years.

The E-2D brings significant enhancements over its predecessors, including the ability for aerial refueling. It internally features an entirely new avionics suite including the new AN/APY-9 radar, radio suite, mission computer, integrated satellite communications, flight management system, improved T56-A-427A engines, and a glass cockpit.

The French Marine Nationale has been the only operator of the E-2 Hawkeye from an aircraft carrier besides the US Navy. The current three French Hawkeyes fly as inventory of Flottille 4F which is based at BAN Lahn-Bihoué. During combat patrols offshore, the French nuclear-powered carrier, Charles de Gaulle, usually has two E-2C Hawkeyes deployed to the ship.

Image: Northrop Grumman