Japan Selects Beechcraft T-6 Texan II as Basic Trainer

The Japanese government has chosen the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II, offered by Textron Aviation Defense and Kanematsu Corporation, as its new basic trainer aircraft for the air force's pilot training program. The decision follows a competitive bidding process initiated in August, with other contenders including the Pilatus PC-7 MKX (offered by Subaru) and the Hürkus trainer (proposed by Daihyaku Shoji with Turkish Aerospace). One bidder, Shintoa Trading, failed to meet the October 15 deadline.

The Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) awarded the T-6 the highest score during the second-stage evaluation, citing its comprehensive training solution, including ground equipment. While the contract and number of aircraft remain undecided, the T-6 is expected to replace 49 T-7 aircraft, produced by Fuji Heavy Industries, which will begin retiring in 2030. The total number of T-6s procured may be lower due to the integration of simulators.

The MoD’s fiscal 2025 budget emphasizes acquiring modern trainer aircraft and ground systems to efficiently prepare pilots for advanced fighter aircraft.

The T-6 continues to gain traction in the Asia-Pacific region, with Vietnam, Thailand, and New Zealand already operating or receiving the aircraft.