The American manufacturer Northrop Grumman, which has started manufacturing the new E-2D Hawkeye onboard aerial surveillance aircraft, has announced that its aircraft will have an in-flight refueling boom. The aircraft will thus see its mission time increase from 4 to 7 hours, a significant advantage when the 4 Hawkeyes which equip a US air group must ensure constant aerial surveillance. The E-2D can be refueled by C-130, KC-46, F18 E/F and by the MQ25 Stingray onboard refueling drone.
France has announced its intention to equip itself with the E-2D to replace the 3 E-2Cs of the 4F flotilla. In addition to its in-flight refueling capabilities, the E-2D is equipped with a new AESA Radar in the UHF band, capable of detecting stealth aircraft and missiles, and distributing tactical situation vision to ships and Rafales via its link 16. However, in the absence of a refueling drone, and with only 3 aircraft, the French Embarked Air Group (or GAE) will not be able to maintain a permanent watch, like the US Navy's GAE.