Pentagon emphasizes modernization and shift toward space assets for airborne target tracking
During a recent congressional hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cast doubt on the future of the U-7 Wedgetail, suggesting the Pentagon increasingly views space-based technologies as the future of aerial surveillance and tracking. The comments come amid internal debates about the platform’s viability and the growing investment in space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
Budget and Program Status
Budget documents obtained by Breaking Defense reveal that the Air Force has requested nearly $200 million in FY26 for research and development of the Wedgetail, but apparently no new procurement funds. While the program remains technically active, the lack of procurement funds indicates uncertainty about its future. The Air Force’s FY26 plan includes only the R&D spend, with no new aircraft requested beyond initial prototypes.
Pentagon’s Shift Toward Space-Based ISR
Hegseth told members of the House Appropriations Committee that the E-7 is “not survivable in the modern battlefield,” emphasizing the Pentagon’s focus on developing “capabilities that will surpass some of those airborne capabilities” through space-based assets. He stated, “a great deal of ISR in the future will be space-based,” and the Pentagon is investing heavily in these capabilities rather than expanding existing platforms like the Wedgetail.
Although Hegseth didn’t specify how many aircraft might be procured or when space-based systems will fully take over, he made clear that the Pentagon is prioritizing space-based ISR for future battlefield advantage. The secretary also noted that the Pentagon plans to continue “funding existing platforms that are more robust and modernize them,” but space will play an increasingly central role.
Program Uncertainty and Political Factors
While the program continues in some form—funded with about $199 million in FY26 R&D—its future remains uncertain. The original plan, which called for up to 26 Wedgetails to replace the aging E-3 Sentry, has faced setbacks amid recent discussions about potential cancellation, driven by beliefs that space-based sensors could perform the same role more effectively.
The program’s political dimension is significant. The E-3 Sentry is based at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, located in Rep. Tom Cole’s district. Cole, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, expressed cautious support for the platform, acknowledging its effectiveness but urging careful consideration. “Space is great. It’s unknown. It’s undeveloped,” Cole warned, emphasizing the need for prudence given the platform’s current state of development and uncertainties about its future.
The Future of Aerial Target Tracking
In recent months, Northcom Commander Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot and Space Force Deputy Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton confirmed ongoing experiments with sensors on satellites capable of tracking airborne targets. These efforts aim to develop “proliferated SB [space-based]-AMTI constellations,” providing global coverage for detecting and tracking subsonic air-breathing targets.
Senior Space Force leaders have acknowledged that space alone may not be sufficient, citing challenges like cloud cover interference and the rapid orbiting of satellites. Instead, they advocate for a “multilayered” approach that combines space, airborne, and ground-based sensors to create a resilient tracking network.
Conclusion
While the Pentagon continues to develop the E-7 Wedgetail, the emphasis appears to be shifting toward more advanced space-based ISR capabilities. The debate over the platform’s future hinges on technological feasibility, budget priorities, and political considerations, particularly given the platform’s basing location and its potential replacement role.
As the FY26 budget cycle progresses, the future of the E-7 Wedgetail remains uncertain, with many officials and lawmakers watching closely to see whether the platform will be continued, upgraded, or ultimately replaced by space-based systems.
