Japan plans to gradually replace its earlier-generation Northrop Grumman E-2Cs with the newer E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's (JASDF's) E-2Cs, such as the aircraft in this image, were first inducted in 1982. (Japan Air Self-Defense Force)
Japan signed a contract for five additional Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft in August 2023.
The Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) told Janes that the contract was signed on 9 August. The MoD had not previously made this contract public. The contract follows a US State Department announcement on 7 March about the proposed Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of five E-2Ds and related equipment for a value of USD1.381 billion.
Based on documents released by the Japan MoD and the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), the final value of the contract with the US Department of the Navy (DoN) is JPY188.08 billion (USD1.25 billion).
The Japan MoD said that delivery of the aircraft is scheduled for Japan fiscal year (FY) 2028. The acquisition is expected to augment the AEW&C capabilities of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Janes has previously reported that the new E-2Ds will be used to improve Japan's situational awareness and tracking of airborne and maritime traffic in the Pacific area.
“The acquisition will strengthen our posture of constantly monitoring the airspace around Japan, including the vast airspace of the Pacific,” the MoD said. “The Ministry of Defense plans to steadily deploy E-2Ds with advanced capabilities, and replace the E-2Cs currently in service in accordance with the deployment.”
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