The size, dimensions and flight characteristics of the C-2 are comparable to the Airbus A400M. The first of two prototypes (08-1201 & 18-1202 respectively) had its maiden flight in January 2010 and the first production unit (68-1203) was delivered to the Air Development and Test Wing at Gifu AB at the end of June 2016. In March 2017, that very airplane entered service with Hikotai 403 at Miho base and at the time of upload, the squadron has at least 7 units on hand.

First flown in January 2010, this is the prototype transport designed to replace Japan's C-130 and C-1 fleets. 30 C-2s are planned with a 37.6t payload and to keep costs down it shares some components with the P-1 maritime patrol aircraft, although very different in appearance