Overview
- The Japan Air Self-Defense Force said it supported the EC-2’s first flight, initiating the flight-test phase.
- Deadline reports the aircraft completed its maiden flight on March 17, 2026.
- Designed for long-range electronic attack, the EC-2 targets radar, communications and command-and-control to protect friendly operations at standoff range.
- The platform adapts the Kawasaki C-2 transport, enabling greater transmitter power and endurance, and the effort began in 2021 with ATLA.
- The EC-2 is expected to replace the JASDF’s EC-1 electronic warfare aircraft previously based at Iruma Air Base.