Inside Wilsbach’s confirmation hearing: E-7 Wedgetail terminated, F-35 readiness concerns and F-47 commitment
October 10, 2025
At his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing on 8 October 2025, General Kenneth Wilsbach, nominee for US Air Force Chief of Staff, outlined sweeping changes to the service’s modernisation plans—including a surprise announcement to terminate the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail programme, long touted as the successor to the ageing E-3 Sentry AWACS.
Wilsbach described the E-7 as “a very capable AMTI and BMC2 platform,” but underscored the Air Force’s strategic decision to consolidate resources across services. “This transition will allow the Air Force to leverage Navy and overhead assets while pursuing emerging capabilities,” he told senators.
Boeing E-7 Wedgetail termination raises eyebrows across Congress and industry
The decision to terminate the E-7 programme, despite prior endorsements as the replacement for the E-3 Sentry, was perhaps the most unexpected revelation of the hearing. Lawmakers have closely monitored the E-7, which was intended to provide advanced AMTI and BMC2 capabilities for global operational theatres.
Under the FY26 proposal, these functions will now migrate to the Navy’s E-2D Hawkeye and overhead space-based systems. Wilsbach emphasised that the move reflects a push for greater efficiency and cross-service integration.
“While the E-7 is highly capable, we must align our investments with strategic priorities and emerging threats,” he said.
F-47: The Air Force’s next-generation fighter
The hearing also offered the first official reference to the F-47, the Air Force’s new sixth-generation fighter, signalling Washington’s focus on sustaining next-generation air dominance.
“Engineered to outpace, outmanoeuvre, and outmatch any adversary, the F-47 is designed to adapt swiftly to emerging threats,” Wilsbach told lawmakers. “We have already begun manufacturing the first article and are executing within cost, schedule, and performance criteria.”
Unlike legacy fighters, the F-47 integrates advanced avionics, sensor fusion, and networked operations, enabling seamless collaboration between manned and unmanned systems. Although still in early production, Wilsbach confirmed the programme remains on track.
“If confirmed, I will work with the Service Acquisition Executive and industry partners to ensure we deliver the right capabilities to maintain air superiority against pacing threats around the globe,” he said.
F-35 Block 4: Addressing development challenges
Wilsbach also addressed delays in the F-35 Lightning II Block 4 upgrade, acknowledging that several elements have failed to meet projected cost, schedule, and performance targets.
He pledged to work closely with acquisition leadership “to verify that contractual obligations are met and combat-relevant capability is delivered to the warfighter.”
The F-35 remains central to US air dominance, and Wilsbach emphasised that the timely delivery of the Block 4 upgrades is crucial to maintaining an operational advantage in contested environments.
F-15EX: Delays and labour disruptions
The F-15EX Eagle II programme, intended to replace ageing F-15C/D aircraft, continues to deliver within acquisition baselines but has faced operational delays due to Boeing labour strikes. Of 12 Lot 2 aircraft, only six have been delivered, pushing initial overseas fielding of Lot 3 to 2026.
Wilsbach assured senators that the programme remains within cost and schedule targets and reaffirmed his commitment to meeting operational requirements.
KC-46A Pegasus: Recovery and expansion
On the KC-46A Pegasus tanker, Wilsbach confirmed that costs remain stable under Boeing’s firm fixed-price contract, though schedule and performance setbacks have occurred.
He noted the aircraft’s growing maturity, with recent overseas deployments demonstrating operational readiness.
Wilsbach pledged to “work with Air Mobility Command to rapidly increase KC-46A capability and availability to meet mounting aerial refuelling demand,” adding that lessons from current operations are already informing improvements.
F-22 and B-21: Dominance and deterrence
Turning to air superiority and strategic strike, Wilsbach highlighted ongoing modernisation of the F-22 Raptor, citing software upgrades and contract incentives aimed at improving delivery timelines and capability.
“Integrated Air Dominance will be a key focus, ensuring the F-22 continues to provide decisive advantage in contested airspace,” he said.
On the B-21 Raider, Wilsbach confirmed the programme’s steady progress, with the T-2 test article accepted and mission system testing underway. Production is now ramping up, though detailed metrics remain classified.
MH-139A Grey Wolf: Strategic deterrence milestones
The MH-139A Grey Wolf, replacing the UH-1N in Global Strike Command, remains vital to strategic deterrence missions.
The programme experienced a Nunn-McCurdy cost breach due to reduced procurement, but initial operational test and evaluation concluded successfully in June, with full-rate production expected in Q2 FY26.
Wilsbach reaffirmed his commitment to resolving the cost issue and maintaining the aircraft’s role in personnel recovery and nuclear security operations.
EA-37B Compass Call: Modernised electronic attack
Wilsbach also pointed to the EA-37B Compass Call, based on the Gulfstream G550, as a key step in modernising electronic warfare capabilities.
Two aircraft have been delivered for training under interim fielding, though the full Baseline 4 delivery faces a 10-month delay linked to obsolescence and new processing requirements. He assured senators that close coordination with acquisition leadership will keep the programme on track.
HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter: Operational successes
The HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter is on course to fully replace the HH-60G by FY26, with production now in full swing.
Wilsbach praised its performance, noting several successful personnel recovery missions, though minor electrostatic hoist issues are under investigation. “I will collaborate with the Service Acquisition Executive to guarantee the HH-60W’s continued effectiveness,” he said.
VC-25B Air Force One: Accelerated delivery
On the VC-25B Air Force One programme, Wilsbach confirmed that while previous schedule delays occurred, a White House task force established in February 2025 has accelerated timelines. Boeing now projects the first aircraft delivery in 2028, two years earlier than expected.
The aircraft remains within cost and performance targets.
B-52 modernisation: Sustaining a Cold War icon
Finally, Wilsbach reaffirmed confidence in the ongoing B-52 Stratofortress modernisation, which includes new engines, radar upgrades, and survivable nuclear communications.
He confirmed that most elements remain within budget and schedule, except the B-52 Radar Modernisation Programme, which suffered a Nunn-McCurdy breach in May 2025.
Despite the setback, the iconic bomber remains on track to serve into the 2050s.
What’s next for Wisbach following the hearing?
The Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to vote on General Wilsbach’s nomination in the coming weeks, following a standard review period before the full Senate confirmation vote.
If approved, he will succeed General David Allvin as Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, overseeing one of the most significant periods of modernisation in the service’s history.
Until the confirmation process is complete, Wilsbach continues to serve as Commander of Air Combat Command, with his appointment likely to be finalised before the end of 2025.
