Northrop Grumman unveils major upgrades to E-2D advanced Hawkeye Surveillance Aircraft

Technology

WASHINGTON, United States (NPA) — Northrop Grumman has announced major modernisation upgrades to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, as the United States military moves to strengthen airborne surveillance, command and control capabilities against evolving global threats.

The company said the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, the latest aircraft in the E-2 series with a history spanning more than 65 years, is being upgraded with advanced digital systems, automation technologies and expanded operational capabilities designed to keep the platform combat-ready into the 2040s and beyond.

According to Northrop Grumman, the E-2D has become one of the most heavily tasked aircraft in the U.S. military inventory, with every United States Navy carrier strike group deploying alongside a Hawkeye squadron.

The company explained that the aircraft now supports a wide range of missions beyond airborne early warning operations, including integrated air and missile defence, electronic warfare, air traffic control, humanitarian assistance, combat search and rescue, border security and counter-drug missions.

Officials disclosed that the aircraft provides a 360-degree surveillance capability capable of tracking thousands of targets simultaneously across land and sea environments.

Northrop Grumman also highlighted improvements in automation, noting that tasks such as radar fine-tuning, target tracking and reporting are now largely automated, allowing crews to focus on mission-critical operations.

The aircraft has additionally been upgraded with aerial refuelling capability, extending flight endurance to more than eight hours and improving operational flexibility.

Vice President of Northrop Grumman, Janice Zilch, said the modernisation programme was developed in partnership with the U.S. Navy to ensure the platform remains ahead of future threats.

“Northrop Grumman collaborated with the U.S. Navy on the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye programme to ensure, with this fleet modernisation, that we continue to outpace evolving threats into the 2040s and beyond,” she said.

The company revealed that the next Block II upgrade will focus on improving software resiliency, operational availability, cybersecurity and interoperability.

New mission computers and cockpit displays are also expected to support rapid integration of emerging technologies through an open mission systems architecture.

Northrop Grumman further disclosed that artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies are being integrated into the aircraft’s maintenance and sustainment systems to improve readiness and reduce downtime.

The company said augmented reality and virtual reality tools are also being introduced to accelerate maintenance procedures and enhance training for sustainment personnel.

The E-2D programme has reportedly been recognised among the U.S. Navy’s top acquisition programmes for 2023, 2024 and 2025 by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition.