Navy Awards Contract for 9 E-2D Aircraft for Japan

An E-2D Hawkeye prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The Navy has ordered nine of the aircraft for Japan. U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Smalley

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy has ordered nine E-2D Advanced Hawkeye from Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. for the government of Japan.

According to a Sept. 26 Defense Department contract announcement, Naval Air Systems Command awarded to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. a $1.36 billion firm fixed-price contract modification for the production and delivery of the nine E-2Ds. The contract was awarded under Foreign Military Sales.

Earlier, in May 2019, Northrop Grumman delivered the first of four E-2Ds ordered under a 2014 contract.

The E-2Ds will equip the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force, which currently operates the older E-2C version.

The E-2D features the Lockheed Martin APY-9 radar with a two-generation leap in capability and upgraded aircraft systems that improve supportability and increase readiness. Another notable upgrade is the glass cockpit. The three 17-inch liquid crystal display panels enable either the pilot or co-pilot to become a fourth tactical operator — when not actively engaged in flying the aircraft — to give the crew more flexibility in performing its diverse missions.