The RAF’s new aircraft fleet arrives two years late and has delivered a £2 billion blow to Britain’s defence

The RAF’s new fleet of “eyes in the sky” aircraft will be delayed by two years, dealing a £2 billion blow to Britain’s defence.

Three Boeing E7 Wedgetail aircraft were expected to arrive last year but will now not enter service until autumn 2025, Defense Secretary James Cartlidge admitted.

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The airborne early warning and control aircraft (Awacs) provide aerial surveillance, command and control and battlespace management.

The postponement of the £2 billion deal means the MoD must continue to rely on NATO assistance – such as that of the Rivet Joint spy plane.

The crucial role of Awacs was then exposed Ukraine shot two That of Russia versions this year.

Almost a dozen Putin’s Within days, fighter planes were shot out of the sky.

The Ministry of Defense says it is cooperating with it Boeing to minimize the impact of the global shortage of “materials, parts and skills”.

Shadow Defense Secretary John Healey said: “The Conservatives are leaving our armed forces without the equipment they need to defend Britain.

“Delays undermine our ability to meet our NATO obligations.”