On July 15, 2026, Japan's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) commenced the formal flight-test campaign for the XEC-2 stand-off electronic warfare aircraft at Gifu Air Base, officially transferring the platform to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Air Development and Test Wing. This transition from contractor-led airworthiness flights to military-envelope validation serves to establish critical flight restrictions, center of gravity limits, and operational suitability parameters for the modified Kawasaki C-2 airframe. Ultimately, the evaluation will determine if the high-power mission systems can successfully execute active electronic attack and electromagnetic jamming without compromising flight safety or performance. Read full defense news at this link...
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| The Kawasaki EC-2's primary task will be to operate outside the engagement range of hostile air defenses and interfere with the sensors and communications that enable those defenses to function as a coordinated network. (Picture source: ATLA) |