Northrop Grumman delivers 70th E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to US Navy

May 6, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

American company Northrop Grumman has delivered the 70th E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to the US Navy.

The company said a total of 82 E-2D aircraft have now been produced for both the US Navy and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The platform continues to undergo updates aimed at addressing evolving operational requirements.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is designed to provide airborne early warning and battle management capabilities. It operates as a command-and-control node, linking joint and allied forces and supporting coordination across different domains.

The aircraft is equipped with a 360-degree radar and integrated communications systems intended to provide real-time situational awareness.

According to the manufacturer, the system is capable of operating in a range of environments, including remote and austere locations as well as established airfields. Ongoing modernization efforts are focused on incorporating lessons from current operations into future upgrades.

“E-2D deliveries demonstrate our commitment to quality and performance with speed and scale, supporting those who operate and maintain this platform. We’re seeing the Advanced Hawkeye’s exceptional performance in today’s operational environments, and we’re actively planning its future advancements,” Janice Zilch, vice president and program manager, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, Northrop Grumman, said.

The Northrop Grumman-built E-2 has come to be known as the U.S. Navy’s “eyes of the fleet” because of its ability to simultaneously watch over air, land, and sea.

The E-2D brings significant enhancements over its predecessors, including the ability for aerial refueling. Japan has purchased 18 E-2D Hawkeyes and France has purchased three units.