Japan seeks additional funding for new electronic warfare aircraft

A 2023 operational concept for the Kawasaki P-1 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft also showed the aircraft with capabilities for imagery intelligence (IMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT). (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency)

Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD) has requested funding for a new airborne electronic warfare (EW) platform based on the Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft, budget documents show.

In its fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget request, the MoD asked for JPY41.4 billion (USD287.9 million) for the programme. This is above the JPY14.1 billion approved for the project in Japan's 2024 defence budget.

The MoD said the new airborne EW aircraft project is part of an effort to “strengthen Japan's deterrence and response capabilities” by developing “equipment capable of neutralising enemy radar and communications”. Information published in a 2023 preliminary project evaluation report by the MoD's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) indicates that the P-1 EW will be a multisensory platform.

According to the report, the P-1 EW aircraft will support Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) cross-domain operations, including command and control (C2) and intelligence collection. The report added that the new platform will be capable of enhanced electromagnetic wave detection and identification to allow radar jamming and “acquiring means of deception using electromagnetic waves”.

Next generation

ATLA describes the P-1 EW as a “next-generation electronic intelligence-gathering aircraft”. The agency added that the P-1 EW will replace the five Lockheed EP-3 Orion special mission aircraft that have been in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) since 1991.