The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aerial refueling has achieved a historic breakthrough in global airpower, completing its first-ever mid-air refueling with three French-made tankers. This milestone dramatically extends the aircraft’s operational reach, enhances endurance, and strengthens joint interoperability between U.S. and French forces.
Successful Testing with French Tankers
During the summer trials, the E-2D successfully refueled from the Dassault Rafale fighter configured as a buddy tanker, the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), and the Airbus A400M Atlas. The testing was conducted as part of a collaborative effort between the U.S. Navy’s E-2/C-2 Airborne Command & Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231) and France’s defense procurement agency, the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA).
The French Navy and Air Force supported the trials, which form part of a wider modernization program ahead of France’s planned transition from the E-2C to the more advanced E-2D from 2028. Additional refueling tests and pilot training will continue in France as part of this effort.
Strengthening Franco-American Cooperation
France became the second international customer of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in December 2020, ordering three aircraft. The successful aerial refueling campaign underscores the close partnership between Washington and Paris in enhancing joint capabilities across NATO and Indo-Pacific theaters.
The U.S. Navy highlighted the achievement as a major step in ensuring operational flexibility. By integrating seamlessly with French aerial refueling assets, the E-2D will be able to support extended surveillance missions critical to regional security.
Two Generations Ahead of Its Predecessor
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye represents a significant leap in capability compared to the legacy E-2C. At the heart of the platform is the APY-9 radar, designed to detect and track advanced aircraft and cruise missile threats across overland, littoral, and open-ocean environments.
Beyond radar improvements, the aircraft features upgraded avionics and systems that improve supportability, reliability, and readiness. The addition of aerial refueling further enhances its role as the world’s most advanced command-and-control platform, capable of providing long-duration surveillance and real-time battle management.
Extending Range and Mission Endurance
Aerial refueling transforms the Hawkeye from a medium-duration platform into one capable of persistent presence. Extended flight time allows crews to maintain continuous surveillance over contested areas, a crucial capability in today’s security environment.
By combining its advanced sensor suite with longer endurance, the E-2D ensures commanders have persistent access to real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), enabling faster decision-making in dynamic operational theaters.
Hajira Shoukat
Hajira Shoukat is a student of International Relations at Bahria University, with a keen interest in global peace and security, international stability, and broader issues concerning global security dynamics.
