Wensleydale
From 2007 I know, but there was an E-3D supporting this mission reported in the Torygraph. It was not a NATO tasked jet and we held it on 60-90 minutes standby for it (depending on what the MC required). That is well after the 'early days of E-3 and STC'.
RAF jets intercept eight Russian bombers - Telegraph
Sun Who
Well said.
A 30W airliner ditching only needs an MPA to help with everyone else to find bodies and wreckage!
LJ