Just days after publishing the first official images of the platform, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force has now recorded the first test flight of the new EC-2 electronic warfare aircraft, thus marking an important step toward the platform’s future integration. It is, in principle, the same aircraft that was first seen at Gifu Air Base during the past month of February, standing out for a design with peculiar protrusions that differentiate it from the Kawasaki C-2 transport aircraft, the base design on which the different specialized systems for this new role have been integrated.
Regarding this, the institution published the news this morning, accompanying a brief statement with images that read: “The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), in coordination with the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency(ATLA), supported the first flight of the long-range electronic warfare aircraft. We will continue working toward its incorporation in order to improve capabilities in the electromagnetic domain and strengthen interdisciplinary operational capabilities.”
Going into further detail, it is worth mentioning that the new EC-2 electronic warfare aircraft had already been seen in recent days participating in taxi tests at various speeds, which drew the attention of local observers who captured photographs and videos. On the day in question, specifically at 11:30 local time, publicly available flight tracking platforms recorded its takeoff, as well as its flight path for a period of approximately three hours. In images taken by local photographers, it can also be seen that at least one Mitsubishi F-2 fighter was operating in the same area.
On the other hand, while further official details are still pending, it is useful to recall that the new EC-2 electronic warfare aircraft is being developed with the aim of replacing the EC-1 electronic warfare aircraft, which has been in service with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force since the 1980s. As previously described, its role will primarily be to detect and interfere with various types of systems deployed by the enemy in highly contested operational areas, including radars, intelligence-gathering systems, and air defense systems. All of this at long ranges, which would keep the aircraft away from potential threats.
Although the internal modifications incorporated into the EC-2 electronic warfare aircraft compared to the original Kawasaki C-2 model remain unknown, it is evident that the external design features a distinctive bulged nose that would house the radar radome, as well as two large protrusions on the upper part of the fuselage, with two additional ones expected to be integrated between the wing and the stabilizers. According to analysts, these will serve as space for the installation of a new electronic countermeasures system and components also used in the EC-1 electronic warfare aircraft.
Finally, it is worth noting that the Asian country is not only on track to incorporate a more advanced aircraft, but also to expand the number of units available for operation. In particular, Tokyo aims to field a fleet of four EC-2 electronic warfare aircraft, representing a significant improvement over the single EC-1 electronic warfare aircraft currently in service.
*Image credits: Japan Air Self-Defense Force; @ih1681 on X
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