Japan receives US approval to acquire 5 new E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft

 

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft. Photo c/o US Navy.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has confirmed that the US State Department has approved the potential sale of five E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) for the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF).

The package is expected to be worth US$1.381 billion, with the US Congress already notified of the potential sale.

Among those included in the package aside from the five E-2D aircraft are twelve (12) T56-A-427A Engines (10 installed, 2 spares); six (6) Multifunction Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System Terminals (5 installed, 1 spare); five (5) APY-9 Radars (installed); five (5) AN/AYK-27 Integrated Navigation Control and Display Systems (installed); twelve (12) LN-251 Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation Systems with Embedded Airborne Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module or M-Code Receiver (10 installed, 2 spares); and six (6) ALQ-217 Electronic Support Measures Systems (5 installed and 1 spare). 

Also included are aircraft ancillary equipment; modifications; spare and repair parts; support equipment; publications and technical documentation; software; personal protective equipment; personnel training and training equipment; ferry services; U.S. Government and contractor logistics, engineering, and technical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support

The E-2D aircraft are expected to give Japan the ability to effectively provide situational awareness of air and naval activities in the Pacific region, and to augment its existing fleet of E-2C Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft.

Northrop Grumman is expected to be the principal contractor for the project, should Japan proceed with procuring these aircraft. 

Changes could still happen to the contents of the package as well as the contract price depending on negotiations between the US and Japanese governments, as well as on the inclusions in the package.




[1] Defense Security Cooperation Agency