Two European aerospace defence companies are debating combining their airborne early warning capabilities in an attempt to head off a possible sole-source British purchase of the Boeing Wedgetail. The UK is considering buying four to six Boeing Wedgetail platforms, however, Airbus and Saab are considering a challenge.

The talks are centred on a potential partnership bringing together an Airbus-built platform with a version of Saab’s Erieye radar.

The British are considering replacing their Boeing Sentry E-3D fleet with a new airborne early warning aircraft for the Royal Air Force.