US OKs $1 Billion Advanced Hawkeye Aircraft Sale to Japan

The US has approved a $1.38 billion foreign military sale of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C) to Japan.

The agreement will see the delivery of up to five E-2Ds, T56-A-427A engines, APY-9 radars, AN/AYK-27 integrated navigation control and display systems, LN-251 global positioning systems, an anti-spoofing module or M-Code receiver, and electronic support measures systems.

Some items are pre-installed, while others will be shipped as spares.

The contract will also deliver support and personnel equipment, publications and technical documentation, logistics services, software, contractor engineering, and related training.

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems will serve as the prime contractor.

Supporting Japanese Homeland Defense

According to the US, the contract supports the nation’s foreign policy goals and national security through partnership with a major Asia Pacific ally.

Once delivered, the E-2D aircraft are expected to bolster Japanese defense, securing political stability and economic progress in the region.

The sale includes in-country visits of US government and contractor personnel associated with the program’s management, support, and technical requirements.

“The proposed sale will improve Japan’s ability to effectively provide homeland defense utilizing an AEW&C capability,” a US Defense Security Cooperation Agency statement said.

“Japan will use the E-2D AHE aircraft to provide AEW&C situational awareness of air and naval activity in the Pacific region and to augment its existing E-2C Hawkeye AEW&C fleet. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”

“There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”