Reduced Numbers
Intended to completely replace the aging C-1 transports, the C-2’s original procurement was supposed to be around 30〜40 planes, but cost increase has reduced this number to just 22 units.
Moreover, with at least one of the C-2s being repurposed and converted into an electronic warfare model (RC-2), the total number of actual transports is projected to be lower.
Nonetheless, the C-2’s significantly larger payload enables it to handle the same airlift tasks with fewer units. Along with the existing fleet of C-130H cargo planes, the roughly twenty C-2s are expected to be adequate for the overall transport capability, though additional units are definitely desirable.
Aiming Overseas Export
One common method to reduce production cost is to seek overseas export, which is exactly what Japan is trying, but so far to no avail.
As the case with virtually every Japanese military hardware, limited domestic demand and budget constraints result in small-volume production, triggering an increased unit price and further reduction of procurement.
In face of such death spiral, Japan’s only viable choice seems to be export, but the serious lack of sales achievement in the military realm has led to just another impasse.
Good, but not competitive? (photo: JASDF)
Basically, Japanese weapons have neither the sales record nor the combat experience to prove its reliability as a military equipment. When presented with a military hardware of unknown performance and a renowned one, it is only natural to choose the latter rather than taking an unnecessary risk.
The same predicament applies to the Kawasaki C-2 as well, with failed negotiations with New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Indeed, the UAE deal seemed like a close shot considering the fact that the C-2’s short take-off capabilities on unpaved runways matched their requirements.
However, with the famed Airbus as its competitor, the chances of the Kawasaki C-2 prevailing over a cheaper, more experienced opponent are unfortunately slim.
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