Following a series of high profile failures to intercept Yuktobanian Fighters in 1979 due to shortcomings with the Janosian Air Defense Radar network, the Janosian Government was prompted to consider procurement of airborne early warning aircraft. Initially looking at the E-3A Sentry used by its allies Emmeria and Osea, the Janosian Air Self Defense Force instead selected the E-2C Hawkeye due to easier access and affordability through the Osean Foreign Military Sales program.
In 1981, the first AEWC Squadron entered operational status within the JASDF. The 501st “Snow Witches” would aid Fighter Squadrons in interception of Yuktobanian aircraft probing the island chain’s defenses. In the years following, between local upgrades and newer E-2D Aircraft purchased from Osea, the Snow Witches have become a vital asset to the aerial defense of their country, leading F-5s, F-14 and F-15 fighters to counter the Flankers and Fulcrums sent their way from across the sea.
