Lockheed Martin has completed flight testing of a new radar subsystem upgrade for the US Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft. Working alongside Northrop Grumman, the company tested the Digital Receiver Exciter Recorder, or DREXR, during recent flights as part of a broader modernization effort for the navy’s carrier-based surveillance fleet. The upgrade is designed to improve the aircraft’s ability to detect, track, and process threats while supporting carrier strike group operations. DREXR replaces older receiver and exciter hardware with a single-box architecture that delivers better radar performance while extending system service life. Engineers validated wideband transmit and receive capability, independent radar element control, and software-defined waveform functions during testing. The E-2D Hawkeye remains a critical airborne battle management platform, helping connect naval and air forces through a shared operational picture. The aircraft has undergone multiple upgrades in recent years to remain effective against increasingly advanced threats. Earlier this year, BAE Systems received a $62 million contract to establish a depot for the E-2D’s Identification Friend or Foe system in San Diego. In 2024, Fuse Integration also won a $16 million contract to modernize onboard networking with software-based connectivity routers. The successful DREXR trials demonstrate the Navy’s continued investment in keeping the E-2D fleet relevant for future high-end maritime operations.
