The Japan Air Self-Defense Force has released the first imagery of its new Kawasaki EC-2 Stand-Off Jammer (SOJ) aircraft, offering an initial glimpse of a highly modified electronic warfare (EW) platform derived from the Kawasaki C-2. The aircraft is being developed to enhance Japan’s airborne electronic attack and electromagnetic support capabilities, with plans to field a fleet of four platforms. Published by the JASDF Air Development and Test Command, the images highlight the EC-2’s markedly altered configuration compared with its baseline transport variant. Most notable is a prominent enlarged nose fairing, understood to house the antenna array of the J/ALQ-5 electronic countermeasures (ECM) suite, developed by Toshiba. The system is designed to conduct radar jamming and electronic attack missions, although specific performance parameters remain undisclosed. The EC-2 builds on the legacy of the earlier Kawasaki EC-1, a one-off platform introduced in 1986. The EC-1 also employed an early iteration of the J/ALQ-5 system, which has since undergone successive upgrades. The EC-2 is assessed to field an advanced version of this capability, integrated with additional sensors and mission systems.
Imagery indicates further structural modifications across the airframe. A dorsal fairing positioned aft of the cockpit suggests the presence of forward-looking sensor systems, while multiple large fairings on the tail section likely provide expanded electromagnetic coverage. Additional air inlets observed on the fuselage imply increased onboard power generation and cooling requirements, consistent with high-demand EW payloads. Several distributed optical apertures are also visible, likely associated with missile approach warning and self-protection systems. The EC-2 programme, reportedly initiated in 2021, forms part of a broader effort by Japan’s Ministry of Defense to enhance its electromagnetic spectrum operations. The aircraft is designed to conduct stand-off jamming missions, disrupting adversary radar and communications systems while operating outside contested threat envelopes. According to Japanese defence planning documents, the platform will support counter-air operations in coordination with other tactical assets.
The first confirmed sighting of the EC-2 occurred at Gifu Air Base in February 2026. The aircraft is believed to be a converted C-2 airframe (serial 18-1203), previously unmodified. This marks the first time the platform has been observed outside official renderings released by Japan’s Ministry of Defense. The EC-2 complements the parallel development of the Kawasaki RC-2, a signals intelligence (SIGINT) variant of the C-2 that first flew in 2018. Together, these platforms are intended to improve Japan’s ability to collect, process, and exploit electromagnetic data, as well as to conduct electronic attack and protection missions. Unlike the EC-1 programme, which produced a single aircraft, the EC-2 effort reflects a shift towards a more scalable EW capability. With a reported budget allocation of ¥41.4 billion, the programme underscores Japan’s increasing focus on electromagnetic spectrum dominance as part of its broader defence modernisation strategy. Operationally, the EC-2 is expected to be assigned to the JASDF’s Electronic Warfare Operations Group (Denshi Sakusengun) at Iruma Air Base. This unit currently operates the EC-1 and will also field the RC-2 in the future.
The Kawasaki C-2 (previously XC-2 and C-X) is a mid-size, twin-turbofan engine, long range, high speed military transport aircraft developed and manufactured by Kawasaki Aerospace Company. In June 2016, the C-2 formally entered service with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). The Kawasaki C-2 is a long range twin-engine transport aircraft. In comparison with the older C-1 that it replaces, the C-2 can carry payloads up to four times heavier, such as MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile batteries and Mitsubishi H-60 helicopters, and possesses six times the range. The C-2 is being developed to meet the following requirements of the Ministry of Defense: a minimum payload of 26 tonnes, 120 metric ton (264,552 lb 132.275 short ton) take-off weight, ability to takeoff/land on short runways, a maximum payload of 37,600 kg whilst taking off from a 2,300 m Take-off Field Length at a 141 tonnes (310,851 lb 155.42 short ton) take-off weight, ability to fly international airroutes, in-flight aerial refuelling and forward looking infrared systems.
