U.S. eyes E-2D Advanced Hawkeye sale to Japan; Javelins to Australia

The State Department has notified Congress of a possible $1.4 billion foreign military sale to Japan of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency notice.

Japan has requested to buy up to five E-2D AHEs with associated engines, radars and other equipment, according to DSCA.

“The proposed sale will improve Japan’s ability to effectively provide homeland defense utilizing an AEW&C capability,” the notice states. “Japan will use the E-2D AHE aircraft to provide AEW&C situational awareness of air and naval activity in the Pacific region and to augment its existing E-2C Hawkeye AEW&C fleet.”

The sale, according to DSCA, will improve the security of a “major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Northrop Grumman would be the principal contractor involved.

Meanwhile, DSCA also notified Congress about a potential $60 million sale of 255 Javelin FGM-148F missiles to Australia.

“Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific,” DSCA said. “The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.”

The prime U.S. contractor will be the Javelin Joint Venture between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Missiles and Defense.