The UK will build military aircraft for the United States for the first time in more than fifty years, following the award of a new contract with Boeing to deliver advanced surveillance aircraft for the US Air Force. The programme is set to create over 150 new jobs in Birmingham and sustain a further 190 roles across the UK supply chain.
The agreement will see two Boeing 737 passenger aircraft converted into prototype E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control platforms. The project is expected to generate more than £36 million for the UK economy and underlines the growing importance of the UK defence industry to international programmes.
The UK is already procuring three E-7 Wedgetail aircraft for the Royal Air Force, scheduled to enter service in 2026. The programme has been supporting 190 highly skilled roles, 130 of them in Birmingham, where modification work is carried out. Boeing’s decision to expand production to supply the US Air Force adds a further 150 jobs in the city, strengthening the UK’s position as a key contributor to the E-7 platform.
The announcement follows the launch of the Defence Industrial Strategy, which confirmed £250 million in new funding for regional defence growth deals and £182 million for skills development through five new defence technical colleges. The strategy places industrial growth and workforce development at the heart of defence procurement, creating new opportunities for suppliers at all levels of the supply chain.
Over 40 UK-based companies are already involved in the E-7 programme, supplying systems, components and services. The work includes construction of new engineering facilities at RAF Lossiemouth, delivered by local Scottish suppliers. The new US contract is expected to create further demand for UK firms able to provide advanced systems integration, modification expertise, and specialised components required for airborne early warning platforms.
Defence Secretary John Healey described the agreement as evidence of the strength of the UK-US defence relationship and as a vote of confidence in the capabilities of the UK defence sector. He highlighted the programme’s dual benefit in supporting skilled jobs while enhancing both nations’ surveillance and early warning capabilities through shared platforms.
The E-7 Wedgetail is designed to detect and track hostile aircraft, missiles and drones at ranges of more than 300 miles, providing critical early warning to allied forces. The expansion of the programme to include both UK and US fleets is expected to enhance interoperability while further embedding UK suppliers within the global Boeing supply chain.
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