Update: Japan begins testing of new electronic warfare aircraft

This computer graphics image, presenting an overhead view of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) Stand-off Electronic Warfare Aircraft, shows the aircraft's enlarged dorsal fairings. (Janes)

Japan is preparing its new Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) electronic warfare (EW) aircraft for flight testing ahead of its entry into service next year, a Ministry of Defense (MoD) spokesperson told Janes in March.

Development of the platform began in Japanese fiscal year (FY) 2020, the MoD spokesperson said. As per current plans, the single aircraft produced so far will “enter service from FY 2027”, the MoD spokesperson continued.

A total of JPY52.3 billion (USD328.7 million) was budgeted for the aircraft programme between FY 2020 and FY 2023, an Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) spokesperson told Janes on 12 March. Janes understands that the MoD is likely to procure more than one aircraft in the future.

“The number of aircraft to be acquired beyond [the first aircraft] is currently under consideration,” the MoD spokesperson said.

Although the ATLA and the MoD spokespeople have referred to the new platform as the ‘Stand-off EW Aircraft', the capability is likely to be designated as the EC-2. ATLA told Janes in 2022 that the aircraft is based on the KHI C-2 transport aircraft.

Testing site

Few details were available about the programme after development began in 2020. That the platform has now progressed to the testing stage was revealed on 12 March when the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) unveiled the first official photographs of the platform on X.