RAF to keep full Sentry fleet; update considered

The RAF is to keep it's entire fleet of 7 Boeing E-3D Sentry AWACS aircraft operational and not mothball 2 as they originally planned in an effort to cut costs. Instead they will reduce the hours flown and the number of assigned aircrews. The MOD are also considering an upgrade to their fleet similar to the USAF's Block 40/45 upgrade. The upgrade would include new flat screen operator panels and updated computers to replace the 1970s style mainframe architecture currently used.