Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason the forecast delivery of the first E-7 Wedgetail aircraft has changed from 2023 to late 2024.

The In-Service Date for the Wedgetail capability, including dates for delivery of all three aircraft, will be published in the Full Business Case expected for submission in the first part of 2024. There have been some delays to the aircraft delivery schedule, due to contractor performance and a combination of shortages in materials, parts and skills which are being felt across the global aviation industry. Additionally, the contractor has underestimated the complex and increased assurance activity required to enable flight certification following Boeing 737 MAX aircraft accident investigations. We are working closely with Boeing to minimise the adverse impact of these challenges.