Ship-based airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft are eyes of the carrier task force in front lines, especially in open seas.

Being the only user of nuclear aircraft carrier expect the USA, France is on the way to improve its ship-based AEW&C capability. In this context, Washington approved the possible sale of three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye under the FMS (Foreign Military Sales) to Paris. The total cost of the platforms and the necessary equipment was estimated to approximately 2 billion USD.

France requested three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in 2018. Besides the aircraft, 10 Rolls-Royce T-56-427A turboprop engines (four spares), three AN / APY-9 radars, four AN / ALQ-21 electronic support measures also requested from the USA for the system, IFF and other necessary hardware. Currently, the French FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91) aircraft carrier has three E-2C Hawkeye for deployment.