Article Posted on : - May 09, 2011

The 737-700 AEW&C aircraft.

ANKARA (BNS): Turkish Air Force will receive first of four spy planes by next year from Boeing, according to a media report.

The total estimated value of the airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft is up to $1.6 billion.

“The Turkish Air Force will receive the first aircraft towards the end of 2012, and the remaining three planes are expected to enter service in 2013,” the Air Force technology quoted Boeing director Mark Ellis as saying.

In 2003, Turkey defence procurement agency had ordered four 737-700 AEW&C aircraft, a ground radar and control systems, plus ground control segments for mission crew training, mission support and maintenance support from Boeing.

The planes, based on the Boeing's 737-700 civilian aircraft, will be equipped with Northrop Grumman's MESA electronically scanned array radar, an all-weather, 360-degree air and maritime mode system.