page_title: Kawasaki C-2
section_title: Operational history
hierarchical_section_title: Kawasaki C-2 / Operational history
caption_attribution_description: 日本語: C-2試作1号機と量産1号機（通算3号機）
context_page_description: The Kawasaki C-2 is a mid-size, twin-turbofan engine, long range, high speed military transport aircraft developed and manufactured by Kawasaki Aerospace Company. In June 2016, the C-2 formally entered service with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. There are ongoing efforts to sell it overseas to countries such as New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates. The aircraft is to supplant and replace the older Kawasaki C-1 turbofan transport that has been in service since the 1970s.
context_section_description: On 26 January 2010, the maiden flight of the XC-2 took place from Gifu Air Field, Chūbu region, Japan; this first flight was reportedly carried out without any problems occurring. Prior to the first flight, the aircraft was re-designated as the C-2. On 30 March 2010, the first aircraft was delivered to the Japanese Ministry of Defence.
  On 24 February 2016, 1st prototype "08-1201" was redelivered from reinforced body exchange programme, and 2nd prototype "18-1202" is undergoing the programme from May.
  In March 2016, the JASDF announced that the C-2 airlifter had formally entered operational service.
  On 30 June 2016, 1st production model "68-1203" was delivered to Air Development and Test Wing at Gifu Air Field.
  On 20 October 2016, the maiden flight of 2nd production model "68-1204" was held.
  On 28 March 2017, first three C-2s were dispatched to 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron at Miho Air Base.
  In November 2017 a C-2 deployed to the Japan Self-Defense Force Base Djibouti in Africa for the first time.
  On 6 February 2018, 2nd prototype "18-1202" was converted to "RC-2" as an electronic intelligence platform at Gifu Air Base.
caption: 1st production model "68-1203" and 1st prototype "08-1201" (2016)
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