Abstract: Since the emergence of carrier-based early warning (AEW) aircraft as a new aircraft type driven by the demand for maritime air defense operations in the latter stages of World War II, carrier-based early warning (AEW) aircraft have swiftly become the core node of the air combat system for aircraft carrier formations, and their tactical value has been proven through various combat operations. After more than eighty years of development, under the dual influence of combat demand and technological advancement, the technological level of carrier-based early warning (AEW) aircraft has undergone leapfrog development, and their role in the aircraft carrier combat system is undergoing significant transformation. Facing the challenges posed by complex battlefield environments, new combat concepts, and innovative tactical methods in the future, this article analyzes the evolution of the combat patterns of carrier-based early warning (AEW) aircraft based on an overview of their development history. It preliminarily analyzes the key capability requirements of carrier-based early warning (AEW) aircraft in response to future new combat threats, and further explores the development trends of the air early warning system for aircraft carrier formations in the future.