Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF ) is planning to acquire two new C-2 transport aircraft in 2018, said in the English version of the “Defense Programs and Budget of Japan” document released by Japan Ministry of Defence.

According to the document, the Japanese government will set aside $400M from its 2018 national budget to acquire two new C-2  medium transport aircraft developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

The first serial production aircraft was delivered to the JASDF in June 2016. The first flight of the third prototype took place in May 2016. Since that time built 6 new aircraft.

According to the Kawasaki Heavy Industries, the C-2 is used in tactical situations for playing various roles such as international cooperation and emergency aid operations.

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“The C-2 is a domestically developed and manufactured aircraft adapting various new aircraft systems. With the latest technologies, the C-2 flies faster and has greater range, heavier loading capacity, and a larger cargo compartment than the C-1 and other transport aircraft, thereby fulfilling a wide range of missions such as international support operations”, said in the company.

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The aircraft can transport troops, drop supplies and undertake medical evacuation during the day and night, even in hostile environments.  The JASDF currently operates four C-2s but it is expected to order about 60 aircraft in total to replace its ageing Kawasaki C-1 and Lockheed Martin C-130H transports.