USAF Selects Boeing’s E-7A Wedgetail as Successor to AWACS Feb. 28, 2023 | By John A. Tirpak Boeing will build a prototype E-7A Wedgetail air battle management aircraft for the U.S. Air Force under a $1.2 billion contract awarded Feb. 28, the service announced. Production is set begin in 2025 and the first E-7A will be operational by 2027.