The E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft of French naval aviation constitute a key component of the Carrier Air Wing embarked aboard the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, since thanks to their radar and passive detection systems they act as the alert eyes of the French Carrier Strike Group. Operated by Flottille 4F, the unit’s three Hawkeyes recently demonstrated their value during the Exercise Orion 2026, and they are also expected to be in high demand during the upcoming deployment the French flagship will carry out in the Eastern Mediterranean.
During the recent joint exercise Orion 26, the E-2C Hawkeyes from the Charles de Gaulle not only provided early warning for the Carrier Strike Group, but also formed an offensive pairing with Dassault Rafale M fighters armed with Exocet missiles when guiding them toward their targets. “…These actions confirmed the essential role of the Hawkeye as a force multiplier for the aircraft carrier strike group…,” detailed the French Navy.
The actions carried out by the Naval Aviation’s E-2C Hawkeyes during Exercise Orion 2026 gain additional relevance when considering the scale and complexity of the deployment conducted by the French Armed Forces and allied countries. The French Navy deployed its Carrier Strike Group, a formation composed of the Charles de Gaulle, three frigates, a logistics ship, and a submarine. These vessels were joined by aeronaval units from various countries, in what was an initiative integrating international forces.
The next challenge for the E-2C Hawkeyes will come during the deployment that the Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group will carry out in the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, with the possibility that the aircraft carrier and its escort may enter Middle Eastern waters amid the instability and uncertainty currently affecting the region.
Modernization of Flottille 4F
In the coming years, Flottille 4F will see its capabilities significantly enhanced with the incorporation of the first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. It is worth recalling that the French Navy currently has an order for three units, aircraft whose manufacturing began in late 2024 at the facilities of Northrop Grumman in St. Augustine, Florida.
France began the acquisition process in 2020, with a requirement for three E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes. The Letter of Offer and Acceptance to acquire these aircraft from the United States Navy had a maximum value of 2 billion dollars.
The Advanced Hawkeye represents a two-generation technological leap compared with the E-2C Hawkeye. The latest variant of the carrier-based early warning aircraft features a next-generation radar and new systems that improve its overall capabilities, while also increasing its operational availability.
The main component of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is its AN/APY-9 radar developed by Lockheed Martin, “…specifically designed to provide enhanced surveillance, detection, and tracking capability against advanced aircraft and cruise missile systems in land, littoral, and open-ocean environments. With the addition of aerial refueling capability, the E-2D remains the most advanced command-and-control platform in the world…,” according to the Naval Air Systems Command.
The E-2Ds will replace the E-2Cs, aircraft that despite their veteran status still offer notable detection capabilities thanks to their AN/APS-145 radar (with a range of 500 kilometers) and complementary systems such as the AN/ALR-73 passive threat detection system. The French Hawkeyes also operate with Link 11, Link 16, and Link 22 data links, in addition to having FLEET-SATCOM satellite communications.
While awaiting their replacements, the E-2C Hawkeyes of Flottille 4F will continue to serve as the alert eyes of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle wherever it is deployed.
*Cover image: Marine Nationale
*Translated by Constanza Matteo
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