The US State Department has approved the possible $1.7bn sale of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft and associated equipment to Japan.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified US Congress about the possible sale.
Under this proposed sale, the US will deliver four E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, ten T56-A-427A engines (eight installed and two spares), eight multifunction information distribution system low volume terminals (MIDS-LVT), and four APY-9 Radars.
The scope of the delivery also includes modifications, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, ferry services and aerial refueling support.
In addition, Japan will receive the US Government and contractor logistics, engineering, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and programme support.
These new capabilities are expected to help Japan to enhance its homeland defence. The country will use the E-2D AHE aircraft to deliver AEW&C situational awareness of air and naval activity in the Pacific region and also to improve its existing E-2C Hawkeye AEW&C fleet.
On the other hand, this deal will allow US to support its key partner to ensure peace and stability in East Asia and the Western Pacific region.
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft will be built by Northrop Grumman Corporation Aerospace Systems in Melbourne, Florida while US Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) will manage the acquisition and integration of all systems.
In December last year, the US agreed to sell AIM-120C7 missiles and associated equipment to Japan for an estimated cost of $33m.
The deal saw the delivery of a total of 17 AIM-120C7 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM), along with two captive air training missiles, containers, missile support and test equipment.
Image: Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft. Photo: courtesy of US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ernest R Scott / Released.
