OVERVIEW: The YS‑11EB is a tactical SIGINT reconnaissance aircraft operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Entering service in 1995, it is configured to detect, analyze, and geolocate radar and communication emissions across the electromagnetic spectrum.

DETAILS: Converted from YS‑11A‑400 airframes between 1995 and 1996, the YS‑11EB upgraded earlier YS‑11EL models with T64‑IHI‑10J turboprops and the J/ALR‑2 SIGINT suite. It cruises at approximately 533 km/h, operates up to 9,000 m, and offers a mission range of around 3,200 km.
The aircraft is fitted with multiple conformal antenna bulges and blade arrays on both dorsal and ventral surfaces, supporting interception of radar and communication signals. Each aircraft carries a crew of operators who manage onboard ELINT and COMINT consoles, signal processors, and data links.
The “EB” designation reflects its enhanced SIGINT role, with capabilities for both radar emitter geolocation and communications intelligence. While optimized for passive collection, the YS‑11EB does not perform electronic attack or jamming. Four aircraft were operated by the JASDF’s Electronic Intelligence Squadron at Iruma Air Base. They were gradually replaced by the RC‑2 SIGINT platform beginning in 2020.

TYPE: Tactical SIGINT Reconnaissance Aircraft

FUNCTION: Used to monitor, classify, and geolocate foreign radar and communication systems—particularly over East Asia and the Sea of Japan—to build electronic orders of battle and support strategic situational awareness. Its endurance and passive sensor suite enabled discreet surveillance in contested regions.

NOTE:
IOC: January 1997 (first YS‑11EB delivery)
Manufacturer: NAMC (airframe), modified by JASDF with Toshiba and indigenous SIGINT systems
Operator: Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Electronic Intelligence Squadron, Iruma AB)
Fleet: Four YS‑11EB aircraft
Retired: Replaced by Kawasaki RC‑2 SIGINT platform starting in 2020

SOURCE: J-HangarSpace – YS-11EB service history https://www.j-hangarspace.jp/jasdf-squadron-histories-3 , FlightGlobal – RC-2 replacement of YS-11EB https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/tokyo-inducts-rc-2-for-elint-missions/140461.article , AircraftRecognitionGuide – YS-11EB ELINT variant https://www.aircraftrecognitionguide.com/namc-ys-11 , Wikipedia – Electronic Intelligence Squadron JASDF https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Intelligence_Squadron_%28JASDF%29