Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. is being awarded $32,7 million for modification to a previously awarded contract for Japan E-2D aircraft, said the U.S. Department of Defense on 16 November.  

According to a statement, Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Military Aircraft Systems, Melbourne, Florida, is being awarded $32,730,879 for modification P00003 to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-18-C-1037) for long-lead items for Japan E-2D Aircraft JAA5 under the Foreign Military Sales program.

All work is expected to be completed in August 2022.

On 21 November 2014, the Japanese Ministry of Defense officially decided to procure the E-2D version of the Hawkeye, instead of the Boeing 737 AEW&C AEW&C design. In June 2015, the Japanese government requested to buy four E-2Ds through a Foreign Military Sale.

Also, on Sept. 10, 2018, the U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan of up to nine E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft for an estimated cost of $3.135 billion.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Sept. 7, 2018.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is a game changer in how the Navy will conduct battle management command and control. By serving as the “digital quarterback” to sweep ahead of strike, manage the mission, and keep our net-centric carrier battle groups out of harms way, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the key to advancing the mission, no matter what it may be.

The E-2D gives the warfighter expanded battlespace awareness, especially in the area of information operations delivering battle management, theater air and missile defense, and multiple sensor fusion capabilities in an airborne system.