Rotorcraft
Japan Signs for More Mine-Hunting Helicopters
Kawasaki Heavy Industries will produce additional MCH-101s for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Kawasaki/Leonardo MCH-101
The MCH-101 is fitted with rear-view mirrors that allow the flight crew to monitor the towed mine-hunting equipment. (Photo: JMSDF)

Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the partnership between Leonardo, Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), and support specialist Marubeni Aerospace, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has signed a contract to buy additional Kawasaki/Leonardo MCH-101 mine-hunters, as well as performing a mid-life update on the existing fleet.

Having acquired 10 MCH-101 helicopters, the JMSDF has begun buying more in small batches, beginning with one included in the 2022 budget. The new helicopters carry more recent avionics than does the original batch, which now will undergo an upgrade to the current standard as a mid-life update.

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