US-Japan naval forces enhance cooperation on electronic warfare

Both countries have a history of collaboration in maritime capabilities such as anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and fighter-bomber integration. Earlier this year, Japan became the first international customer for Lockheed Martin's Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP), an anti-ship missile capability.

The US Navy's electronic warfare units in Japan include Carrier Air Wing 5’s Electronic Attack Squadron 141 operating EA-18G Growlers at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and Electronic Attack Squadron 134 with forces at bases like Kadena and Misawa. The EA-18G Growler is equipped with advanced technology including the ALQ-218 sensor suite for situational awareness and next-generation jamming systems.

Japan's capabilities are supported by the UP-3D variant of the P-3C Orion. The country is also developing an EW-capable Kawasaki P-1 patrol aircraft. Additionally, Japan operates the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye through its air force.

Task Force 70 oversees air and surface maneuvering within the US 7th Fleet area of operations—spanning over 124 million square kilometers—and includes various ships such as USS George Washington (CVN 73) along with guided-missile cruisers and destroyers. The US 7th Fleet remains a crucial component in maintaining peace across the Indo-Pacific region.