Turkey’s long-delayed airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) program may finally begin moving forward next year, as Boeing intends to deliver the first of four AEW&C aircraft in late 2012.
The Turkish AEW&C program, referred to as Peace Eagle, has suffered from ongoing delays due to radar, software production and integration problems on the four new 737-700 AEW&C aircraft.
Turkey signed a $1.6 billion contract with Boeing in 2002 for the four aircraft, replete with ground radar and control systems. Delivery was expected to follow in 2007.
The deal also contained an option for two additional aircraft, but as of now Turkey has shown little inclination toward acting on the option.
Once the first Turkish 737-700 AEW&C plane is delivered in late 2012, the other three aircraft will be delivered and enter service in 2013. The Turkish planes will utilize the Northrop Grumman MESA electronically scanned array radar.
