US Navy Declares IOC For New E2D Advanced Hawkeye

The latest variant of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft with enhanced flexibility and situational awareness has achieved Initial Operational Capability, US Navy announced October 10.

Initial Operational Capability (IOC) signifies that the first operational squadron, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, is manned, trained, equipped and ready to start deployment preparation with E-2D aircraft.

“The E-2D can detect smaller targets, at longer ranges, over water, in littoral areas, and over land in dense clutter environments, giving significant increases in flexibility and situational awareness to the warfighter beyond the capabilities of previous variants of the Hawkeye,” said Capt. John Lemmon, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office (PMA-231) program manager.

It features radar and upgraded aircraft systems that improve supportability and increase readiness. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye joins the F/A-18 and EA-18G Growler to comprise the future carrier flight deck, continuing the Navy’s integrated warfighting legacy.

Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye has been sold to Egypt, France, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. The French Naval Aviation (Aeronavale) operates three E-2C Hawkeyes and has been the only operator of the E-2 Hawkeye from an aircraft carrier besides the US Navy.