The EC-2 is the latest in a number of Japanese aircraft with unusual modifications, and has been in development since 2021. The aircraft is the former C-2 18-1203, the first production aircraft.

The new platform will replace the unique EC-1 which has been in service since 1986. The EC-2 is the second specialized variant of the C-2, after the RC-2 signal intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft flew for the first time in 2018.

The new EC-2 Stand-Off Jammer (SOJ) is a derivative of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) C-2 transport aircraft. The aircraft has been modified with a bulbous nose – similar to the EC-1’s nose – as well as two large bulges on the top of the fuselage, while two more should be located on the sides of the fuselage between the wings and the horizontal stabilizers.

The EC-2 is being developed to disrupt an adversary’s electronic warfare (EW) capabilities while still flying outside of the threat’s range. The Japanese Ministry of Defense previously said the aircraft will be used to support counter air operations in conjunction with other tactical assets.

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