E-2D Advanced Hawkeye successfully completed First Mid-Air Refuelling with French Tankers

In a landmark achievement for naval aviation, the U.S. Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye successfully completed in-flight refuelling this summer with French tankers, marking the first time the aircraft has been refuelled by foreign platforms. The milestone not only extends the endurance of the Hawkeye but also enhances the operational integration of U.S. and French forces.

The historic flights involved three different French aircraft: the Rafale configured as a buddy tanker, the A330 MRTT Phénix, and the A400M Atlas. The refuelling effort was the result of close cooperation between the U.S. Navy’s E-2/C-2 Airborne Command & Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231) and France’s procurement agency, the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA). The trials are part of preparations for the French Navy’s planned transition from the older E-2C Hawkeye to the newer E-2D beginning in 2028.

The U.S. Navy emphasized that “with the addition of aerial refueling capabilities, the E-2D remains the most advanced command and control platform in the world.” By being able to take on fuel in midair, the aircraft can now remain airborne for much longer periods, greatly strengthening its role as a persistent eye in the sky. This development is particularly significant for coalition missions, as the ability to refuel from allied aircraft makes joint operations more seamless and efficient.

For France, the tests are a vital step toward integrating the E-2D into its own naval air arm. The French Navy acquired three aircraft in December 2020, becoming the second international customer for the platform after Japan. Delivery and operational service are expected later this decade, with pilot training and additional refuelling trials scheduled to continue in France.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye represents a leap of two generations beyond the E-2C. Its most notable advancement is the APY-9 radar, which provides unmatched detection and tracking of targets over sea and land. Combined with improved avionics, communications, and mission systems, the E-2D serves as a critical airborne command and control hub for modern naval operations. With aerial refuelling added to its capabilities, it can now provide sustained surveillance, early warning, and battle management across a wider area and for longer durations.

The French contribution to these trials highlights the growing emphasis on allied interoperability. By demonstrating compatibility with the Rafale, MRTT, and A400M, the Hawkeye can now rely on French tanker support during real-world operations. This ability ensures that U.S. and French naval forces can coordinate more closely in joint exercises, carrier strike groups, and multinational missions.

In today’s strategic environment, the need for persistent surveillance and coordination across vast maritime regions is greater than ever. The successful refuelling of the E-2D by French tankers marks a significant stride in meeting that challenge. It is not only a technical achievement but also a symbol of strengthened Franco-American defense ties, ensuring both nations remain ready for the evolving demands of modern naval warfare.