The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has selected the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System (ITS) for updating its pilot training program. Textron Aviation Defense LLC, in collaboration with the Kanematsu Group, revealed that Japan will become the 15th nation to adopt the T-6 Texan II, contributing to a global fleet of over 1,000 T-6 aircraft already delivered.
“We are proud to offer the Japan Air Self-defence Force a proven and highly capable Integrated Training System that will meet their training needs for decades,” said Travis Tyler, President and CEO, Textron Aviation Defence LLC. “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.”
The T-6 Texan II was chosen following a highly competitive and comprehensive assessment of training solutions proposed by various bidders. The contract is anticipated to be finalized in 2025.
The JASDF is modernizing its training program with an integrated solution featuring T-6 Texan II trainer aircraft, a comprehensive ground-based Training System, training for instructor pilots and aircraft maintainers and long-term logistic and sustainment support. The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II will replace the Fuji/Subaru T-7 aircraft that has been the JASDF’s basic trainer for many years.
The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is the leading military flight trainer worldwide. With over 90 years of experience and the delivery of more than 250,000 aircraft globally, the T-6 Texan II offers low acquisition, operating, and maintenance costs, allowing air forces around the world to expedite pilot training. Its installed base is over four times larger than its nearest competitor, making the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II the top Integrated Training System (ITS) globally for over two decades.
The T-6 Texan II benefits from an active production line with a top-tier Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) of 10, a reliable supply chain, and cost efficiency due to 85% parts commonality with the Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine. To date, the global fleet of over 1,000 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has accumulated more than 5 million flight hours across 14 countries and two NATO flight schools.
An essential resource, the T-6 supports pilot training worldwide, including the NATO Flight Training program in Canada, the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) at Sheppard AFB, Texas, the U.S. Air Force Aviation Leadership Program, and serves the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Coast Guard, as well as the Hellenic Air Force, Argentine Air Force, Israeli Air Force, Royal Air Force, Iraqi Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, Mexican Navy, Mexican Air Force, Royal Moroccan Air Force, Colombian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, Tunisian Air Force, and Vietnam Air Defence Air Force.
With a legacy of producing and missionizing thousands of proven Beechcraft and Cessna Integrated Training Systems in America’s Heartland since WWII, military customers rely on Textron Aviation Defence for airborne solutions for their critical missions. As the provider of the world’s leading military flight trainer, Textron Aviation Defence equips militaries globally, excelling in low acquisition, sustainment, and training costs. Since 2001, the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II fleet, comprising over 1,000 aircraft, has accumulated more than 5 million hours across two NATO military flight schools and fourteen countries. Textron Aviation Defence is a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc.
For over 95 years, Textron Aviation has harnessed the collective expertise of the Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker brands to create and provide the ultimate aviation experience for their customers. The diverse range includes business jets, turboprops, high-performance pistons, special missions, military trainers, and defence products, making Textron Aviation's product portfolio the most versatile and comprehensive in the world. Their workforce has produced over half of all general aviation aircraft globally. Customers in more than 170 countries depend on renowned performance, reliability, and versatility, as well as their trusted global customer service network, for cost-effective, efficient, and flexible flight solutions.
Textron Inc. is a diversified company that utilizes its worldwide network across the aircraft, defence, industrial, and finance sectors to deliver innovative solutions and services to its customers. It is globally recognized for its strong brands, including Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training.
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