Air Force Cancels E-7 Wedgetail Program Due to Costs and Survivability | JQJO

The Air Force canceled the E-7 Wedgetail program due to escalating costs, rising from $588 million to $724 million, and survivability concerns. The decision, part of the fiscal 2026 budget, favors space-based alternatives for air moving target indicator (AMTI) missions. While acknowledging the Wedgetail's capabilities, officials cited the need for global coverage, prompting investment in space-based sensing. The cancellation, though criticized by Senator Murkowski, is supported by the Air Force, which plans to retire several other aircraft types in FY26, including 162 A-10 Warthogs.