The Navy is poised to deploy the latest version of the E-2 aircraft designed for airborne command and control next year following the declaring of initial operational capability (IOC) earlier this month.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye achieved IOC on Oct. 10 will be first operated by the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW 125, which is preparing for the deployment of the aircraft.

The Navy plans to buy 75 of the Advanced Hawkeyes.

Over the summer the Navy awarded prime contractor Northrop Grumman [NOC] a $3.6 billion, multi-year contract for 25 of the aircraft that incorporate new cockpit avionics, and advanced communications, radar and battle management systems.

The first E-2 came into service in 1964.

Capt. John Lemmon, the program manager for the aircraft, has said the new version is better at detecting smaller targets at longer ranges over water, coastal areas and land in cluttered environments, thereby improving situational awareness.