The is a squadron of the Airborne Early Warning Surveillance Group of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) based at Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. 航空自衛隊 那覇基地(第9航空団司令部 基地渉外室) Retrieved September 26, 2017 Japan Air Self-Defense Force Retrieved September 26, 2017 It is equipped with Northrop Grumman E-2C/D Hawkeye aircraft.
History In the early 2010s the amount of air activity by China near Okinawa increased dramatically after Japan effectively nationalized the disputed Senkaku Islands, sparking a major backlash from China.
Beginning in 2012 E-2C aircraft of the squadron began deploying to Naha Air Base as required, and in 2014 603rd Squadron was officially formed Tan, Andrew T.H. Security and Conflict in East Asia page 154 Retrieved September 26, 2017 Pacific Security and the E-2D 2014 Washington Security Forum Retrieved September 26, 2017 by taking around 130 personnel Burke, Matthew M & Sumida, Chiyomi Japan puts early-warning aircraft on Okinawa amid China's moves May 2, 2017 Stars and Stripes Retrieved September 26, 2017 and four of the squadron's 13 E-2C aircraft from Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture. New AWACS unit launched in Naha April 20, 2014 Japan Times Retrieved September 26, 2017 Japan boosts surveillance against China with new E-2C Hawkeye squadron April 22, 2014 Air Force Technology Retrieved September 26, 2017 Donald, David Japan Bolsters Southern Air Defenses April 22, 2014 Retrieved September 26, 2017 JASDF initiates AWACS squadron in Okinawa April 23, 2014 Retrieved September 26, 2017 This left the 601st squadron with nine aircraft.
Tail markings Unlike many other JASDF squadrons, the squadron's aircraft generally have a marking on their forward fuselage instead of on the tail. The marking is of a bat grasping two bolts of lightning. マーキング Retrieved September 26, 2017
Aircraft operated Northrop Grumman E-2C/D Hawkeye/Advanced Hawkeye
References