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RAF E-7 Wedgetail Programme
16 July 2025
Lead MP
John Cooper
Dumfries and Galloway
Con
Responding Minister
Luke Pollard
Tags
DefenceEmploymentBrexit
Word Count: 12933
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
John Cooper raised concerns about raf e-7 wedgetail programme in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks for assurances that the E-7 programme will not suffer the same fate as the Ajax armoured fighting vehicle programme, which was marked by significant cost overruns.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The RAF faces a capability gap due to the retirement of the E-3D Sentry aircraft, which provides situational awareness for aerial combat. The replacement, the E-7 Wedgetail, is already two years late despite being combat-proven by the Royal Australian Air Force. There are also concerns about delays in certification and potential waning interest from the United States due to satellite alternatives.
Cameron Thomas
Con
Stockton South
Recognised that the gap in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability is particularly acute and important for NATO's operations. He draws parallels between the reduction in Wedgetail numbers and the coalition Government’s cutting of the Nimrod programme, expressing concern about gaps in ISR capabilities.
Mr Roome welcomed Air Marshal Harv Smyth to his new appointment as Chief of the Air Staff, congratulating him on his leadership role. The Member agrees with his hon. Friend and raises concerns about the current situation, urging the government to work closely with allies and co-ordinate allied air forces in Europe for better defence. Will the Minister also join the Worshipful Company of Engineers in congratulating Sir Rich Knighton on becoming the first engineer to become the chief of the Royal Air Force.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Gentleman thanks his near-neighbour for friendship and support over the years.
Luke Akehurst
Con
Meriden
He welcomes Mr Francois's point, clarifies that the decision to reduce the order came after Mr Francois’s time as a Minister. He criticises the irrational decision made by Ben Wallace in 2021 to cut the order from five aircraft to three and highlights the impact on capability and cost. Asked if upgrading the fleet of E-7 Wedgetail aircraft would be easier with five airframes, allowing one to be out of service for upgrades.
Luke Pollard
Lab
Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
Mr Luke Pollard responded to concerns raised about the reduction in E-7 Wedgetail aircraft. He noted that while there is a concern about reducing capabilities, the MOD will continue with procurement decisions based on national and NATO requirements. Supported the strategic defence review's wording and highlighted increased defence spending up to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, benefiting British companies. Acknowledges the importance of the programme for national security and commits to ensuring accurate answers are provided through correspondence.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
My right hon. Friend congratulates Air Marshal Harv Smyth on his appointment as the new Chief of the Air Staff designate, welcoming the appointments alongside the new Chief of the Defence Staff.
Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Asked if there is a bit of a fightback coming due to the deletion of the Wedgetail programme for the United States air force in their appropriations Bill. He declares an interest as a former member of the Defence Committee and acknowledges his contribution to the report that criticised the decision to cut the number from five to three aircraft. Raises concerns about delays and calls on the Minister to answer direct questions about the programme's status without deferring to a letter.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
The Member congratulates his hon. Friend on introducing the debate and raises serious concerns about the status of the Wedgetail programme, highlighting the need for a modern airborne early warning control aircraft in operational service.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
Mr Bhatti expressed pride in the programme being built in his constituency and highlighted the strategic importance of the E-7 Wedgetail, stressing its role in maintaining air superiority and providing advanced data. He also questioned the Minister about export capability and faster delivery.
Slough
The hon. Member raises concerns about procurement issues and a capability gap in airborne early warning coverage. He calls for someone to get a grip on the programme and deliver the necessary capabilities.
Zubir Ahmed
Lab
Glasgow South West
The hon. Gentleman recognises the economic benefits of the E-7 programme for constituencies such as his own, where Thales is developing a threat warning system. He highlights Scottish firms' contributions to defence and criticizes the SNP Government's stance on 'munitions'.
Government Response
Luke Pollard
The Minister for the Armed Forces
Government Response
I congratulate the hon. Member for Dumfries and Galloway on securing this debate. I am not the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, but I hope to answer some of the questions raised about the Royal Air Force programme. The UK’s E-7 Wedgetail programme will significantly improve performance with greater speed, range, endurance and crew capacity. It is already bringing economic benefits through job creation at STS Aviation and RAF Lossiemouth. However, disappointingly, the programme has experienced delays due to global aviation industry challenges and specific certification work required by Boeing. Discussed the importance of delivering Wedgetail aircraft and learning from past procurement issues. Mentioned the UK's investment in defence businesses across Scotland, highlighted improvements in relationships with EU allies post-Brexit, and addressed concerns about the current status of the Wedgetail programme.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.