US State Department approves $1.4bn sale of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye spy planes to Japan

The U.S. State Department has approved a deal for the sale of long-range radar detection aircraft to Japan, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported. This was announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

Here's What We Know

The Rising Sun country will be able to purchase an additional batch of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (up to five units). Northrop Grumman, a US company that manufactures the aircraft, has become the prime contractor. The amount of the deal is estimated at $1.381 billion, but the cost may change while negotiations are going on.

Japan had previously ordered 13 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. They will be a replacement for an equal number of older E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. Outside the US, it is Japan that is the largest operator of Northrop Grumman aircraft, and the deal, if approved by Congress, will only strengthen Tokyo's position.

At the heart of the E-2D is the APY-9 radar system. It has been designed specifically to provide advanced detection and tracking capabilities for advanced aircraft and cruise missiles in land, coastal and open ocean environments. Advanced Hawkeye also supports aerial refuelling.

The potential sale of the aircraft will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of an ally and contribute to political stability and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region. The DSCA said in a statement.

Source: Defence News