The completion of aerial refueling testing with French tankers is another step towards the introduction of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in the French Navy.
The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced that this summer the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye successfully refueled mid-air from three French-made tankers – the Rafale in buddy tanker configuration, A330 MRTT Phénix, and A400M. The French Navy and the Air and Space Force conducted qualitative aerial refueling testing with the three assets as a part of a collaborative effort between the E-2/C-2 Airborne Command & Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231) and France’s Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA).
NAVAIR this a “breakthrough in global airpower” and “a historic first that dramatically extends the Advanced Hawkeye’s reach and for seamless joint operations while providing unprecedented airborne surveillance capabilities.” This effort follows earlier work announced in May 2025 to certify the Rafale to refuel the F/A-18 family of jets.
E-2D Breakthrough! The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye successfully refueled mid-air from 3 French tankers (Rafale, MRTT, A400M)—a historic first! This extends its range for continuous surveillance, boosting joint #Lethality & #Readiness. #Warfighting #NavalAviationhttps://t.co/UlvPjHqjSV pic.twitter.com/lkXjZ0DPsU
— NAVAIR (@NAVAIRNews) September 27, 2025
E-2D Refueling Certification
France is preparing for the introduction of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye which, compared to the older E-2C, integrates an air refueling capability. Because of this, the DGA launched a series of activities to be sure the E-2D can use this capability once it arrives in France.
A first test in late 2024 saw a Rafale M refuel an A400M cargo aircraft with the new NARANG (nacelle de ravitaillement nouvelle generation, new generation refueling pod) buddy refueling pod. The A400M acted as a surrogate receiver, simulating an E-2D, during the testing of NARANG, which will be employed by the French Navy’s Rafale while at sea to refuel other aircraft embarked on the Charles the Gaulle aircraft carrier.
A Rafale M was then deployed to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, earlier this year, where new tests were conducted to enable the Rafale to refuel the F/A-18C/D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. On that occasion, the U.S. Navy said “the tanker qualification partnership paves the way for an extended reach and enhanced interoperability for allied airpower.”
Now, during the summer, an actual E-2D was used to certify the Rafale, A400M and A330 MRTT for the refueling. The details of the test campaign have not been released, although it appears it was conducted again at NAS Patuxent River.
The DGA and the French Navy will conduct additional aerial refueling testing and pilot training in France, says NAVAIR. The first of three E-2Ds, currently in production, is expected to arrive in France in 2028.
The French E-2D acquisition
France has been operating three E-2C Hawkeye aircraft since the early 2000s as the only foreign operator of the type on an aircraft carrier, beside the U.S. Navy. In 2020, the French Ministry of Armed Forces announced the approval of the acquisition of three new E-2Ds as replacement, with a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement with the U.S. government approved in July that year.
The three E-2Ds are scheduled to be delivered by 2028, making France the second international operator of the type, said NAVAIR shortly after the signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance in December 2020. The acquisition follows, in fact, the procurement by Japan of 13 Hawkeyes, later increased to 18.
As mentioned earlier, the French aircraft will have an air refueling capability similar to the U.S. Navy’s aircraft. Another variation will be the integration of a computer, developed by the French Aerospace Industry Service (SIAé), which will guarantee an autonomous upgrade capability as per French requirements.
In December 2024, Northrop Grumman has announced the start of production of the first E-2D for the French Navy at the company’s St. Augustine manufacturing facility in Florida.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) represents the latest evolution in the E-2 series, which has been the backbone of U.S. Navy’s airborne early warning and battle management capabilities for decades. This next-generation model brings a suite of advanced upgrades, making it far more capable and versatile than its predecessors, with improvements designed to ensure it meets the needs of modern warfare.
At the core of the E-2D is a state-of-the-art radar that offers what the U.S. Navy describes as a “two-generation leap” in capability over previous models. This advanced radar system dramatically increases detection range, target resolution, and tracking accuracy. The radar improvements, combined with other system upgrades, allow the E-2D to cover vast areas both at sea and over land, enhancing situational awareness for the fleet.
Unlike earlier models, the E-2D goes beyond simply relaying information, functioning as a highly integrated command and control node in a “digital quarterback” role. This makes it essential in managing diverse, concurrent missions, whether directing airborne strike operations, coordinating with ground forces, supporting search and rescue efforts, or serving as a communications hub across a dispersed fleet.
