The Chilean Air Force received two Boeing E-3D Sentry AEW1(airborne early warning) Mk1.

The aircraft were retired by the UK Air Force in September 2021 and acquired by Chile in January 2022.

The aircraft have the call sign SOLEX02 (British military number ZH103; serial number 24111/1004) and SOLEX01 (British military number ZH106; serial number 24114/1011).

The Chilean Air Force has also acquired a third E-3D (British military number ZH101; serial number 24109/993) scrapped in October 2021, which will be used for spare parts.

Most likely, it will be delivered by sea.

The Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA) of the Ministry of Defense of Great Britain has started the procedure of selling the decommissioned Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS AEW.Mk1 aircraft from the country’s Air Force in January 2022.

To replace the E-3D, the British Air Force will receive the new E-7A Wedgetail.

The new AWACS will conduct aerial surveillance, as well as simultaneously track air and surface targets using the information gathered to provide situational awareness and control other combat assets.

As listed in the sales brochure of the Defence Equipment Sales Authority, the Boeing 707-based AVAX is powered by CFM56-2 engines, has a flight duration of up to 18 hours, and is designed to cruise at an altitude of 29,000 feet.

The AN/APY-2 radar allows for detection of air and surface targets, reconnaissance, identification of targets, and aviation operations control.

The manufacturer’s original equipment has been preserved. It meets the standards of the British Military Aviation Authority.

The Chilean Air Force is the only one to express interest in purchasing these aircraft. The cost of the three planes totalled $50 million. Some classified equipment has been dismantled. The Chilean Air Force will have to invest in the purchase of new systems and their adaptation to national requirements.