[UPI] The U.S. Navy is strengthening airborne radar and detection capabilities in the Asia-Pacific with five E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes early warning and control aircraft.Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni on Thursday.
Japan's air self-defense force may also use the aircraft, Stripes Japan reported.
The E-2D "employs long-range radar and electronic communications capabilities to oversee the battle space and detect threats beyond the sensor range of other friendly units," a statement from the U.S. Navy read.
The aircraft was also described as the "digital quarterback" of the fleet, and includes an "all glass" tactical cockpit, an upgraded mission computer and data-link capabilities.
In response to reports of the deployment, China's Global Times stated Friday the E-2D are being placed in Japan in order to track Beijing's Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter.