In a historic first, the Royal Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail AEW Mk1 performed its first ever flypast with the iconic Red Arrows aerobatic display team, at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in Fairford, Gloucester.
The flypast was followed by the Wedgetail performing a ‘touch and go’ on the runway before departing to MOD Boscombe Down, where it will carry out further system testing.
Group Captain Richard Osselton, Programme Director for the E-7 Programme said, “The Wedgetail appearance at RIAT not only reinforces the hard work and collaboration of all those contributing to the project but also reflects the importance of delivering the next generation of airborne surveillance and control capabilities to support the RAF’s operational effectiveness in the years to come.”
The Red Arrows aircraft flew in formation on the wings of the Boeing aircraft, as a crowd of over 50,000 people looked up at this unique spectacle.
Squadron Leader Jon Bond, Team Leader and Red 1 of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “With an international audience of aviation enthusiasts, the Air Tattoo is always a great occasion at which to formally welcome a new addition to the Royal Air Force’s fleet.
“Whether it’s the Red Arrows’ history-making, world-first use of sustainable fuels at this year’s RIAT or the introduction of E-7 Wedgetail, both showcase the RAF’s commitment to constant, cutting-edge innovation.
“I hope those watching the flypast were able to take plenty of photographs to mark this special mixed formation and true highlight of the 2025 Air Tattoo.”
The E-7 Wedgetail is the most capable and operationally proven airborne early warning and control platform in use today and has the growth path to match the expected threat over the next 20 years.
The mission crew will utilise state-of-the-art workstations to deliver a multi-domain battle management capability: providing situational awareness to UK, NATO and coalition force elements, directing offensive and defensive assets whilst maintaining continuous surveillance of an assigned area. The Wedgetail significantly enhances the lethality and survivability of friendly aircraft and naval assets, whilst operating in a hostile environment.
“Today’s flight is an amazing testament to the work of our integrated Boeing and UK supplier team, in partnership with the RAF,” said Stu Voboril, Boeing vice president and E-7 program manager. “Our work reflects the pride we take in supporting the strategic alliance among the UK, U.S., and allies, and the role the E-7 plays in strengthening global joint force mission advantage.”
The UK’s Wedgetail will serve under No. 8 Squadron and will be located at RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland, alongside the nine-strong fleet of P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, both of which are based upon the widely used Boeing 737 Next Generation airframe, allowing the RAF to take advantage of synergies between the two fleets.
