TEXTRON AVIATION DEFENSE SECURES FIRST BEECHCRAFT T-6JP TEXAN II DEAL IN JAPAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a unit of Textron Inc, has secured its first contract to supply the Beechcraft T-6JP Texan II integrated training system to Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), marking a milestone entry into the Japanese military training market.

The initial agreement, executed in coordination with Kanematsu Corporation, covers two Beechcraft T-6JP Texan II aircraft along with instructor pilot and aircraft maintainer training materials. Deliveries of the first two aircraft are scheduled for 2029, with additional contracts expected.

“This contract marks a pivotal step in strengthening Japan’s next-generation pilot training capabilities,” said Textron Aviation Defense president and chief executive officer, Travis Tyler in a statement.

He added that the platform offers a proven, interoperable solution tailored to Japan’s long-term operational needs.

Designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense, the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is the world’s most widely adopted integrated military flight training system, with more than 1,000 aircraft in service and over five million flight hours logged globally.

With Japan joining its customer base, the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II now supports pilot training across 15 nations, as well as pilots from 40 countries at two NATO flight schools and multiple branches of the United States military.

The JASDF’s selection underscores confidence in Textron Aviation Defense’s training systems, which are known for low acquisition and lifecycle costs, a mature production line, and a globally proven supply chain.

Textron Aviation Defense is a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc, delivering military training aircraft with decades of operational heritage.

-- BERNAMA