NATO receives first Final Lifetime Extension Programme-upgraded AWACS

NATO is putting all 14 of its remaining E-3A AWACS aircraft through the FLEP process, with the first aircraft now having been received back for testing ahead of being returned to service. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

NATO has received back the first of its Boeing E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet to go through the Final Lifetime Extension Programme (FLEP).

The first of 14 aircraft was delivered to NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen in Germany on 25 October, about two-and-a-half years after it was inducted into the upgrade programme in April 2022.

“FLEP is the final modernisation project designed to ensure the operational relevance and sustainability of the NATO E-3A AWACS until 2035,” NATO said of the milestone.

The FLEP work was conducted by Leonardo out of its modification facility in Tessera, Italy. Having been delivered back to the home of the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NAEW&CF), aircraft tail serial number LX-N 90459 will undergo ground and flight trials under the direction of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Programme Management Agency (NAPMA) and the NAEW&CF Combined Test Team (CTT), before rejoining the operational roster.