Japan’s Ministry of Defense has opted for the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II as the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s next-generation primary trainer aircraft.

Japan’s Ministry of Defence announced on November 29, 2024, that the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II, offered by Textron Aviation Defense in partnership with Kanematsu Corporation, will replace the JASDF’s Fuji T-7 primary trainers. Shintoa Corporation submitted a separate proposal centered on ground training. The move represents a significant upgrade to Japan’s pilot training program.