TSAMTO, August 10. Egypt is negotiating with the United States on the acquisition of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye long-range radar detection and control (AWACS) aircraft of Northrop Grumman Corporation.
This became known during the annual Sea-Air-Space conference of the US Naval League, which was held on August 3 near Washington (DC). The presentation by Captain Pete Arrobio of the US Navy Aviation Systems Command indicated that Egypt and Taiwan are negotiating to purchase E-2D aircraft, and France and Japan are in the process of purchasing this type of aircraft.
Northrop Grumman claims that the E-2D is two generations ahead of previous models, which allows it to interact with sea, air and land-based combat systems to defeat large and small targets. The estimated range of the Lockheed Martin AN/APY-9 radar is 550 km with a 360-degree coverage with the ability to identify inconspicuous aircraft. The initial readiness for combat use of the E-2D "Advanced Hawkeye" was announced in 2014.
The Egyptian Air Force is one of the few Arab air forces that have early detection and electronic warfare capabilities. They include AWACS E-2C "Hokai" aircraft, electronic reconnaissance aircraft, etc.
Between 1986 and 1993, Egypt purchased six E-2CS, and in the early 2000s spent more than $ 140 million. to upgrade five E-2CS to the Hokai-2000 standard with an APS-145 radar and an upgraded on-board computer, improved workstations and a navigation system.