Japan plans to add five E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft from the United States.
The US Department of State has approved the potential sale of the aircraft to Japan for an estimated price of 1.381 billion USD.
The State Department's notification regarding the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on March 7, 2023, followed by a notification to the US Congress.
Previously, Japan put forward a proposal to purchase five E-2Ds along with a radio system, APY-9 radar, embedded global positioning and navigation system, and other related equipment.
Japan currently has 13 E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes to replace the same number of E-2C Hawkeyes . The old aircraft has been in service since 1983.
Japan is the largest E-2 operator outside the US and this potential sale further strengthens its position.
The E-2D is manufactured by Northrop Grumman, which will be the prime contractor in this proposed sale.
The US has delivered its first E-2D to Japan in 2019.
Developed for the US Navy as a twin-engine tactical battle carrier-based early warning, command and control aircraft, the E-2D has also been acquired by France.
The core of the E-2D aircraft is the APY-9 radar system, specifically designed to provide enhanced surveillance detection and tracking capabilities against advanced threat aircraft and cruise missile systems in open ground, coastal and oceanic environments.
The E-2D also has aerial refueling capability.
