Northrop Grumman in Japan
Northrop Grumman in Japan
Providing a range of capabilities and technologies for the Japan Self-Defense Force.
Northrop Grumman has a long history in Japan dating back to the late 1950s when the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) used the Grumman Avenger aircraft for maritime patrol, the Albatross aircraft for search and rescue, and the Tracker aircraft for anti-submarine warfare. This close partnership with Japan continues today with Northrop Grumman providing support to all the major branches of the JSDF on a range of defense, security and information systems programs.
Key Programs and Capabilities in Japan:

E-2C Hawkeye
For more than 50 years, Northrop Grumman has partnered with Japan by providing a range of capabilities and technologies in defense, security and communications. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has owned and operated 13 E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft since 1983.

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
In 2014 the Japan Ministry of Defense selected the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to fulfill the nation’s evolving airborne early warning and command and control (AEW&C) requirements. The E-2D is an all-weather, tactical battle management AEW&C aircraft. The aircraft’s updated sensor suite and network connectivity provide seamless information flow among aircraft, ships, soldiers, civilians and command authorities to quickly distribute information for more accurate and timely decision-making. In a peacetime environment, the Hawkeye’s sophisticated capabilities can play an important role in disaster relief and in the protection of national borders, including anti-smuggling and anti-piracy efforts. In addition, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) operates 13 Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. The JASDF is the largest international Hawkeye customer.

RQ-4B Global Hawk
The RQ-4B Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system is a versatile platform capable of carrying multiple payloads and collecting a wide variety of intelligence data while flying for more than 30 hours at altitudes of up to 60,000 feet. The Global Hawk’s sensors can capture intelligence information over both land and sea. The Global Hawk aircraft can be equipped with the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) payload adapter to enable the aircraft to carry future sensor payloads.
In 2014 the Japan Ministry of Defense selected the RQ-4B Global Hawk to be an integral part of the nation’s ISR assets. The Global Hawk will be an important ISR asset for the Japan Self-Defense Force within the geopolitical environment of the Asia-Pacific region. Its intelligence-gathering capabilities will also give Japan a greater ability to respond to natural disasters.

MQ-8C Fire Scout
Fire Scout is a combat proven, autonomous helicopter system that provides real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Target-acquisition (ISR&T), laser designation, and battle management to tactical users without relying on manned aircraft or space-based assets. Fire Scout has the ability to operate from any air-capable ship or land base in support of persistent ISR&T requirements.

Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS)
Developed in partnership with Northrop Grumman, the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) is the centerpiece of the U.S. Army’s modernization strategy for air and missile defense capability. By networking any sensor with the best effector, IBCS will deliver the most advanced, battle survivable command and control (C2) system for U.S., joint and coalition forces, providing revolutionary multi-domain defense capabilities that will enhance lethality against current threats and enable growth to address future threats.

Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range (AARGM-ER)
Northrop Grumman’s AARGM-ER is a supersonic, air-launched tactical missile that allows aircraft to defend themselves against any adversary system threatening their safety.
The AARGM is the most advanced system available for pilots to defend against modern surface-to-air threats. It is able to rapidly detect and then fly out to defeat even distant land- and sea-based air-defense systems that are targeting friendly operations.
Other Programs
Northrop Grumman also provides major F-35A components and systems to the Japan Ministry of Defense. Our partnerships with Japanese industry focus on radar, communication and navigation and the center fuselage for the F-35A.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) operates the Northrop Grumman Longbow Radar and APR-39 radar warning receiver on the AH-64D.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) operates the Northrop Grumman Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) and AQS-24A mine hunting sonar from the MCH-101 Airborne Mine Countermeasure Helicopter.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) operates various Northrop Grumman mission and flight avionics such as radar and electronic warfare, navigation systems and IFF systems on F-4, F-15, F-35, E-767 AWACS and C-130 aircraft.
This manga series appeared in the monthly magazine JWings (June – November 2022 issues) and has been translated from the original Japanese.
In the News


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Northrop Grumman in the News

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Wired magazine: The New Technology Uniting the U.S. Military
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IBCS in the News
A discussion of the merits of Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System including the most recent US Army Flight Test which demonstrated the system…

Community
Northrop Grumman is proud to support STEM education and community in Japan.

Leadership
Om Prakash is the chief executive for Northrop Grumman in Japan. He is responsible for leading the company’s business in Japan by supporting current programs and developing strategies for growth. Before assuming his current role, Prakash was a director in the corporate strategy group at Northrop Grumman, responsible for conducting strategic planning and analysis of business initiatives. He oversaw the annual and long-range strategic planning process. Prakash served more than 25 years in the U.S. Air Force and held leadership positions at various levels in operations, training and developmental test. In one role, he worked directly for the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force developing strategy and policy. Prakash is a former instructor of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He has flown, tested or instructed in more than 60 different aircraft for more than 3,000 hours.
Contact Us
Northrop Grumman in Japan
Prudential Tower 3F, 2-13-10, Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0014, Office number: +81-3-6635-2101 Fax: +81-3-3519-9088