JASDF receives first EW C-2, as F-X plans progress
Japan has taken delivery of its new electronic attack aircraft, accepting the RC-2 from KHI on 1 October.
On 1 October, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) accepted its first RC-2 aircraft from Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), this being a special version of the C-2 transport aircraft that is fitted out for EW missions.
The RC-2 performed its first test flights from Gifu in 2018, and since then it has been undergoing an extensive series of tests by the JASDF’s Air Development and Test Wing plus the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency at Iruma Air Base.
The first RC-2 was converted from KHI’s second flight prototype aircraft XC-2 (serial number ‘002’), which first flew in January 2011. Its
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Embraer’s C-390 Millennium and Saab’s Gripen E complete air-to-air refuelling test campaign]()
Embraer’s C-390 Millennium and Saab’s Gripen E complete air-to-air refuelling test campaign
The certification strengthens the ongoing collaboration between Saab and Embraer and bolsters the interoperability of the two aircraft.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2025: Embraer explores new systems and CUAS missions for Super Tucano]()
Dubai Airshow 2025: Embraer explores new systems and CUAS missions for Super Tucano
Embraer foresees high demand for its A-29 Super Tucano over the next two decades, with discussions about adding newer systems to the aircraft already underway.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2025: Anduril and Edge joint venture unveils Omen tailsitter UAV]()
Dubai Airshow 2025: Anduril and Edge joint venture unveils Omen tailsitter UAV
The Group 3 UAV has also netted its first order from the UAE for 50 platforms, with full-scale production scheduled for 2028.
-
![Russian fighter jet exportability threatened by sanctions, says think tank]()
Russian fighter jet exportability threatened by sanctions, says think tank
The think tank realised its report just days before the Dubai Airshow, where the Su-57E Russian fighter jet and Yak-130M trainer and light attack aircraft will make their Middle Eastern debuts.
-
![Analysis: South American domestic drone programmes fly high]()
Analysis: South American domestic drone programmes fly high
While South American militaries will continue to import drone technology from extra-regional suppliers, the successful test of a locally manufactured kamikaze drone by the Brazilian Navy demonstrates the rising role of “made in South America” systems.
-
![UAE: Domestic industries set to dominate the country’s $5.24 billion UAV market]()
UAE: Domestic industries set to dominate the country’s $5.24 billion UAV market
The UAE is the second-highest spender on uncrewed aerial vehicles in the Middle East and the 15th-highest spender on the capability globally.
