Kawasaki EC-2

The Kawasaki EC-2 is a C-2 transport-derived stand-off electronic warfare aircraft being developed for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to disrupt hostile radar and communications.

Overview

The aircraft commonly called EC-2 is Japan's planned successor to the Kawasaki EC-1 electronic warfare aircraft. It combines a C-2 twin-jet transport airframe with domestically developed electronic attack and support equipment. Its stated mission is disrupting radar and communications on the ground and in the air from outside the threat's engagement range, according to Defense News.

“EC-2” remains an informal designation. The official program name is Stand-off EW Aircraft; JED's March 2026 account states that no official aircraft designation had been confirmed. The program brings together the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

The converted aircraft first flew from Gifu Air Base on 17 March 2026. Public reporting describes a development and flight-test program, with service entry planned around the transition from Japanese fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2027. Its enlarged nose and fuselage fairings distinguish it from the transport, but published information does not establish its jamming range or effectiveness against particular threat systems. JED identifies electronic intelligence and communications intelligence as additional missions.

Image - Kawasaki C-2 serial 68-1203, the airframe later converted into the EC-2, in its original transport configuration at the Australian International Airshow in March 2019. Photo by Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 AU, via Wikimedia Commons.

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