Special mission King Air moves to Japan
Japan's army will soon have an operational fleet of eight King Air 350-family aircraft in service.
Textron Aviation announced on 25 February the recent delivery of a single King Air 350i aircraft destined for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).
The aircraft configured for multiple special missions was handed over to Japcon Incorporated. Textron said the special mission suite included ‘a removable, belly-mounted, forward-looking infrared installation, forward executive cabin, communications equipment and racks’ without going into too much detail.
The aircraft has ‘devices for video transmission and infrared night vision to enhance its capacity to collect visual information'.
The King Air will be further modified in Japan, including adding a medical configuration, before the JGSDF takes delivery
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Final Dutch F-16 bound for Ukraine, as Sweden and Latvia commit further military aid]()
Final Dutch F-16 bound for Ukraine, as Sweden and Latvia commit further military aid
Drones also remain a core focus for military aid funding from various allied countries, as the uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) remain a pivotal part of Ukraine’s defence strategy.
-
![New UAVs: is the right capability being procured for the British Army?]()
New UAVs: is the right capability being procured for the British Army?
Following the retirement of Watchkeeper from the UK Armed Forces, what drone capabilities will be next sought as a replacement?
-
![FCAS programme to launch Phase 2 by mid-2026, say French officials]()
FCAS programme to launch Phase 2 by mid-2026, say French officials
Developed by France, Spain and Germany, the European 6th-generation combat air programme is progressing apace with new milestones expected by next year after delays to the programme.
-
![Airbus outlines Logistics Connector plan and partners with L3Harris]()
Airbus outlines Logistics Connector plan and partners with L3Harris
Airbus says it will aim to have a working prototype of the MQ-72C Logistics Connector by the end of the decade as it bids for a contract with the US Marine Corps.
