Japan selects T-6 Texan II for pilot training
Japan joins 14 other nations that have selected the T-6 Texan II. (Photo: Textron)
The T-6 Texan II aircraft will replace the Fuji/Subaru T-7 aircraft in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
Textron Aviation Defense has announced that, in cooperation with Kanematsu Group, its Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System (ITS) has been selected to modernise pilot training for the JASDF.
According to Textron, finalisation of the contract is expected in 2025. While Textron did not disclose how many of the aircraft had been acquired, in December 2024 Shephard learned that Japan would buy the T-6JP aircraft - a variant that builds upon the baseline T-6C - along with six simulators.
Shephard Defence Insight estimates that 36 of the type will be bought, with a contract expected after Japan’s new defence budget in April 2025.
Related Articles
T-6 Texan II trainers deepen their footprint in Asia
Travis Tyler, president and CEO, Textron Aviation Defense said: “This selection affirms the capabilities of our T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System to enable a well-equipped, prominent and highly skilled JASDF to meet the challenges of the 21st century.”
Speaking to Shephard in December, Tom Webster, VP of sales at Textron Aviation Defense said: “The T-6 Integrated Training System (ITS) is a proven, highly capable, best-value system which enables the JASDF to fulfil not only their current training requirements, but can also grow and adapt to keep pace with evolving future requirements.”
Japan is currently modernising its training programme and fleet. The T-6 Texan II variant will replace its 49 Fuji/Subaru T-7 aircraft.
It will join other air forces in Asia to use this training aircraft, including Thailand and Vietnam. The T-6C covers a range of training programmes, from initial pilot screening to advanced operational training.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![UAVs for Ukraine: Europe is willing to spend]()
UAVs for Ukraine: Europe is willing to spend
Despite President Donald Trump’s suspension of military aid to Ukraine, Shephard Defence Insight data suggests that in relation to UAVs, Europe and its non-US NATO allies are more than willing to fill any spending vacuum and are already contributing more than twice as much as the US.
-
![Germany looks to upgrade KEPD 350 missiles and Sweden begins purchase process]()
Germany looks to upgrade KEPD 350 missiles and Sweden begins purchase process
The Taurus KEPD 350 is an air-launched cruise missile developed by Taurus Systems, a joint venture between MBDA Deutschland and Saab Dynamics. The German contract is for maintenance and modernisation of German Air Force missiles.
-
![US Air Force announces mission designation for Anduril and GA-ASI’s CCA prototypes]()
US Air Force announces mission designation for Anduril and GA-ASI’s CCA prototypes
The news follows confirmation from GA-ASI that it will fly its CCA prototype this year and signals the next step in the collaborative combat aircraft programme.
