The Japanese Ministry of Defense has chosen the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II as the new primary trainer aircraft for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).

On November 29, 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the selection of Textron Aviation Defense’s Beechcraft T-6C Texan II turboprop trainer as the replacement for the Fuji T-7 primary trainers currently used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Textron partnered with Japan’s Kanematsu Corporation to present the T-6C bid.Additionally, Shintoa Corporation submitted a proposal focusing solely on a ground training system. This decision marks a significant step in modernizing the JASDF’s pilot training capabilities.