THE RAF’s new fleet of “eyes in the sky” aircraft is running two years late in a ￡2billion blow for Britain’s defence.

       Three Boeing E7 Wedgetail planes were due last year but will not now enter service until autumn 2025, Defence minister James Cartlidge admitted.

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       The RAF’s new fleet of 'eyes in the sky' aircraft is running two years late in a ￡2bn blow for Britain’s defence Credit: Alamy

       The airborne early warning and control systems (Awacs) jets provide air surveillance, command and control and battle space management.

       The delay to the ￡2billion deal means the MoD must continue to rely on Nato help — such as from the Rivet Joint spy plane.

       Awacs’ crucial role was laid bare when Ukraine shot down two of Russia’s versions this year.

       Almost a dozen of Putin’s warplanes were blasted out of the sky within days.

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       The MoD said it is working with Boeing to minimise the impact of global shortages of “materials, parts and skills”.

       Shadow defence secretary John Healey said: “The Conservatives are leaving our armed forces without the kit they need to defend Britain.

       “Delays undermine our ability to fulfil our Nato obligations.”

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