Japan selects Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System to modernize Japan Air Self-Defense Force pilot training
Textron Aviation Defense announced that Japan has selected the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System (ITS) to modernize pilot training for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Japan becomes the 15th nation to adopt the T-6 Texan II, joining a global fleet of over 1,000 delivered aircraft.
The selection followed a competitive evaluation process, with contract finalization expected in 2025. The comprehensive package includes T-6 Texan II trainer aircraft, a Ground Based Training System, instructor pilot and maintainer training, and long-term logistic support. The new system will replace JASDF's existing Fuji/Subaru T-7 basic trainer aircraft.
Textron Aviation Defense ha annunciato che il Giappone ha selezionato il Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System (ITS) per modernizzare l'addestramento dei piloti per il Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Il Giappone diventa la quindicesima nazione ad adottare il T-6 Texan II, unendosi a una flotta globale di oltre 1.000 aerei consegnati.
La selezione è seguita a un processo di valutazione competitiva, con la finalizzazione del contratto prevista per il 2025. Il pacchetto completo include aerei addestratori T-6 Texan II, un Sistema di Addestramento a Terra, formazione per piloti istruttori e manutentori, e supporto logistico a lungo termine. Il nuovo sistema sostituirà gli attuali aerei addestratori di base Fuji/Subaru T-7 del JASDF.
Textron Aviation Defense anunció que Japón ha seleccionado el Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System (ITS) para modernizar el entrenamiento de pilotos de la Fuerza Aérea de Autodefensa de Japón (JASDF). Japón se convierte en la decimoquinta nación en adoptar el T-6 Texan II, uniéndose a una flota global de más de 1,000 aeronaves entregadas.
La selección siguió a un proceso de evaluación competitivo, con la finalización del contrato prevista para 2025. El paquete integral incluye aviones entrenadores T-6 Texan II, un Sistema de Entrenamiento Basado en Tierra, formación para pilotos instructores y mantenedores, y soporte logístico a largo plazo. El nuevo sistema reemplazará los actuales aviones entrenadores básicos Fuji/Subaru T-7 del JASDF.
Textron Aviation Defense는 일본이 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II 통합 훈련 시스템 (ITS)을 선정하여 일본 공군 자위대 (JASDF)의 조종사 훈련을 현대화하였다고 발표했습니다. 일본은 T-6 Texan II를 채택한 15번째 국가가 되어, 1,000대 이상의 항공기가 전달된 글로벌 플릿에 합류하게 되었습니다.
선정은 경쟁 평가 과정을 거쳐 이루어졌으며, 계약 체결은 2025년으로 예상됩니다. 이 포괄적인 패키지에는 T-6 Texan II 훈련 항공기, 지상 기반 훈련 시스템, 강사 조종사 및 정비사 교육, 장기 물류 지원이 포함됩니다. 새로운 시스템은 JASDF의 기존 Fuji/Subaru T-7 기본 훈련 항공기를 대체하게 됩니다.
Textron Aviation Defense a annoncé que le Japon a sélectionné le Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System (ITS) pour moderniser la formation des pilotes de la Force aérienne d'autodéfense japonaise (JASDF). Le Japon devient le quinzième pays à adopter le T-6 Texan II, rejoignant une flotte mondiale de plus de 1 000 avions livrés.
La sélection a suivi un processus d'évaluation compétitif, avec la finalisation du contrat prévue pour 2025. Le package complet comprend des avions d'entraînement T-6 Texan II, un Système de Formation au Sol, une formation pour les pilotes instructeurs et les techniciens, ainsi qu'un soutien logistique à long terme. Le nouveau système remplacera les avions d'entraînement de base Fuji/Subaru T-7 existants du JASDF.
Textron Aviation Defense gab bekannt, dass Japan das Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System (ITS) ausgewählt hat, um die Pilotenausbildung der Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) zu modernisieren. Japan wird die 15. Nation, die den T-6 Texan II annimmt, und reiht sich in eine globale Flotte von über 1.000 gelieferten Flugzeugen ein.
Die Auswahl folgte einem konkurrenzfähigen Bewertungsprozess, und die Vertragsfinalisierung wird für 2025 erwartet. Das umfassende Paket umfasst T-6 Texan II Trainerflugzeuge, ein bodengestütztes Ausbildungssystem, Schulungen für Ausbilder und Wartungspersonal sowie langfristige logistische Unterstützung. Das neue System wird die bestehenden Fuji/Subaru T-7 Basistrainer der JASDF ersetzen.
- Contract win in competitive bid for JASDF training system modernization
- Expands T-6 Texan II global presence to 15 nations
- Comprehensive long-term contract including aircraft, training systems, and logistics support
- Strengthens Textron's position in military training market
- Contract finalization delayed until 2025
- Final contract value not disclosed
Insights
The selection of Textron's T-6 Texan II by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force marks a major strategic victory in the highly competitive military trainer aircraft market. This contract carries significant implications beyond its immediate value:
- Securing Japan as the 15th nation to adopt the T-6 platform strengthens Textron's dominant position in the global military trainer market, effectively raising barriers to entry for competitors.
- The comprehensive nature of the deal - including ground-based training systems, instructor training and long-term sustainment support - indicates a substantial recurring revenue stream that will benefit Textron's financial performance for decades.
- Breaking into Japan's defense market is particularly noteworthy as it traditionally favors domestic manufacturers (replacing the Fuji/Subaru T-7). This success could pave the way for additional opportunities in Japan and broader Asia-Pacific defense markets.
- The growing T-6 fleet (now over 1,000 aircraft) creates powerful network effects, reducing per-unit support costs while increasing the platform's attractiveness to future customers through proven reliability and established global support infrastructure.
While the contract value hasn't been disclosed, military trainer programs of this scale typically range from
Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System (Photo: Business Wire)
The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc.
“We are proud to offer the Japan Air Self-Defense 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 Defense 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 selected after a highly competitive and thorough evaluation of training solutions offered by several bidders. Finalization of the contract is expected 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.
About the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II
The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is the world’s premier military flight trainer. Backed by more than 90 years of experience delivering more than 250,000 aircraft worldwide, the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II’s low acquisition, operating and sustainment costs enable global air forces to fast-track pilot production. With an installed base that more than quadruples its closest competitor, the family of Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has been the world’s number one Integrated Training System (ITS) for more than 20 years. The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II capitalizes on an active production line with an industry-leading Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) rating of 10 as well as a proven supply chain and the affordability of 85 percent parts commonality with the Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine. To date, the global fleet of more than 1,000 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has surpassed 5 million flight hours across 14 nations and two NATO flight schools.
A vital asset, the T-6 empowers global pilot training across the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Flight Training program in
About Textron Aviation Defense LLC
With a legacy of thousands of proven Beechcraft and Cessna Integrated Training Systems produced and missionized in America’s Heartland since WWII, military customers turn to Textron Aviation Defense when they need airborne solutions for their critical missions. Provider of the world’s foremost military flight trainer, Textron Aviation Defense equips militaries worldwide and leads in low acquisition, sustainment and training costs. The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II fleet of more than 1,000 aircraft has logged more than 5 million hours across two NATO military flight schools and fourteen countries since 2001. Textron Aviation Defense is a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc.
For more information, visit www.defense.txtav.com | www.scorpionjet.com.
About Textron Aviation
We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special missions, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable, productive and flexible flight.
For more information, visit www.txtav.com | specialmissions.txtav.com
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training.
For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
Certain statements in this press release may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, risks related to definitization of the contract.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250125981993/en/
Media Contact:
Doug Scott
+1.316.347.0116
Dscott2@txtav.com
txtav.com
Source: Textron Aviation Defense LLC
FAQ
When will Japan finalize the Textron Aviation Defense T-6 Texan II contract (TXT)?
How many countries have adopted the T-6 Texan II training system?
What aircraft will the T-6 Texan II replace in Japan's Air Self-Defense Force?
What does the T-6 Texan II training package for Japan include?
