THE US DEFENSE Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a possible foreign military sale of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) aircraft to Japan for an estimated cost of $3.135 billion. The sale was requested by the Government of Japan and has been approved by the US State Department.

Under the proposed deal, Japan intends to purchase up to nine E-2D AHE Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, 28 T56-A-427A engines, and 12 multifunction information distribution system / joint tactical radio system terminals.

The sale will also include the delivery of ten APY-9 radars, 11 AN/AYK-27 integrated navigation control and display systems, 30 LN-251 embedded global positioning systems / inertial navigation systems with embedded airborne selective availability anti-spoofing module receiver, as well as 12 AN/ALQ-217 electronic support measures.

The possible sale will also cover the provision of US Government contractor logistics, engineering and technical support services, in addition to other associated elements of logistics and programme support.

Focused on supporting the foreign policy and national security of the US, the new aircraft delivery will enable Japan to effectively provide homeland defence by utilising an improved AEW&C capability.

The E-2D AHE fleet will provide Japan with AEW&C situational awareness of air and naval activity in the Pacific region and expand its existing E-2C Hawkeye AEW&C fleet.

Northrop Grumman Corporation Aerospace Systems will serve as the primary contractor to the proposed deal.

Designed as the newest variant of Northrop’s E-2 aircraft platform, the E-2D AHE AEW&C aircraft is equipped with an enhanced capability to operate over sea and land.

With an overall length of approximately 57ft, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft can travel at a speed of more than 300k and can accommodate two pilots and three mission system operators.