Japan military accepts first RC-2 modern spy plane

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force on Thursday accepted the first RC-2 reconnaissance aircraft from Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) following years of testing.

On 1 October, the JASDF’s official Twitter account reported that the first RC-2 reconnaissance plane was officially delivered to the Iruma-based.

The new intelligence-gathering version of the Kawasaki C-2 transport aircraft has undergone some huge test programs done by the Gifu-based Air Development and Test Wing since the 2018 maiden flight.

The new RC-2 spy plane designed for gathering electronic intelligence (ELINT) and long-range, long-endurance reconnaissance missions. The first C-2 ELINT prototype was re-equipped from the second flight prototype XC-2 (board number 18-1202, serial number 002, first flight in January 2011).

According to a Japanese military, the RC-2 will replace the YS-11EB turboprop ELINT aircraft that currently in service with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.