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May 27, 2015 / 2:25 PM

Aussie E-7A Wedgetails gain Full Operational Capability status

Australia has announced its Boeing-made Wedgetail early warning and control aircraft has achieved Full Operational Capability status.

A Royal Australian Air Force No. 2 Squadron E-7A Wedgetail aircraft on a training sortie in New South Wales, Australia. Photo by CPL Shannon McCarthy courtesy Australia Department of Defense

A Royal Australian Air Force No. 2 Squadron E-7A Wedgetail aircraft on a training sortie in New South Wales, Australia. Photo by CPL Shannon McCarthy courtesy Australia Department of Defense

CANBERRA, Australia, May 27 (UPI) -- E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force have attained Full Operational Capability status.

The Australian Department of Defense said the milestone was achieved earlier this month. The six Boeing-made aircraft and their support systems -- logistics services, management, sustainment, facilities and training -- are now fully operational and able to support ongoing operations, it said.

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"The aircraft's advanced multi-role radar gives the Air Force the ability to survey, command, control and coordinate a joint air, sea and land operations in real time," Air Vice-Marshal Davies said.

"As we transition into a more technologically advanced force ... the Wedgetail will be able to support future aircraft and surveillance systems."

The Wedgetail is a Boeing 737 aircraft modified to carry mission systems and advanced multi-role radar. Australia received its first Wedgetails in 2009 and has used them in more than 100 surveillance operations in the Middle East.

The aircraft are based at RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales.

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