UK signs with Northrop for better Sentry availability

Two additional Boeing E-3D Sentry AWACS aircraft are expected to be available each day to support RAF expeditionary operations around the world under a £665 million ($1.17 billion) logistic support contract awarded to Northrop Grumman last week.

The 20-year long “contract for availability” will see the US defence electronics giant take over logistic support of the UK’s fleet of seven E-3D aircraft, at new facilities to be built at RAF Waddington. Under existing support arrangements, the RAF can only generate on average four aircraft a day.

Announcing the new contract, which also aims to save £90 million, UK defence procurement minister Lord Drayson said the Sentry contract showed the government was committed to revolutionising logistic support for the UK armed forces.

TIM RIPLEY/RAF WADDINGTON

Source: Flight International