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
-
![UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities]()
UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities
Project Nightfall and Project Octopus both fall under the Lyra programme, with UK industry working to develop and deliver additional missiles and drones to help bolster Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities against Russia.
-
![How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense]()
How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense
Modern C-UAS solutions must detect threats early, integrate layered sensors, and deliver fast, scalable, adaptable defense against evolving drones.
-
![US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies]()
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.
-
![How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics]()
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
