Japan wants to create a new electronic warfare aircraft

Japan's Ministry of Defence has requested 292 million for fiscal year 2025 to implement plans to develop an electronic warfare aircraft for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Forces.

Here's What We Know

The Ministry of Defence has stated that the aircraft is needed to enhance electronic warfare.

In its budget request for this fiscal year in August 2023, the defence ministry also stressed that it needs to respond to the increasingly complex electronic warfare environment and strengthen capabilities.

According to the plan, the new EW aircraft will be developed on the basis of the Kawasaki P-1.

Naval analysed an image of the new aircraft published by the Ministry of Defence in March on X. It can be seen that the aircraft has distinctive hemispherical protrusions at the top of the fuselage and under the nose, which are fairings (domes that cover the radar) equipped with a hump-shaped antenna. This unique shape makes it clear at a glance that this is an aircraft for a special mission.

According to a document from the Ministry of Defence, production of the prototype will be carried out from 2024 to 2031, and various technical tests from 2031 to 2033.

Source: Naval News