Last Legacy E-3A departs for its
NATO Mid-Term upgrade

Since 1982 the E-3A aircraft have been part of historic NATO operations, flying for peace and security. Looking down from the sky, the E-3A can provide a more complete air picture than ground radar systems.

On 9 July, the last Legacy E-3A, call sign NATO 17, departed for its NATO Mid-Term upgrade in Manching, Germany. During its four-month stay in Manching, EADS Military Air Systems and the Boeing Company in cooperation with the E-3A Component are responsible for the NMT upgrade work. NATO 17 is expected to return to the Component in November this year.

The NMT-upgrade enhances the capabilities of the E 3A fleet as a force multiplier so that it can face the challenges of the coming years. It consists of nine system upgrades, including a digital audio system and additional display consoles. The hallmark of NMT is the new flat-panel display, which provides the crewmembers with improved situational awareness.

Today, thanks to NMT, the Alliance has the most advanced Airborne Early Warning and Control System platform in the world, the NATO E-3A.