Latest news with #JASDF
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vendors line up to fill Japan's F-35 pilot training gap
TOKYO — As Japanese defense officials move to upgrade a military training infrastructure hard-pressed to produce F-35 pilots, vendors are proposing new planes to fill a gap. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force, or JASDF, has made small steps to begin turning around what experts have described as an obsolete training ecosystem. Officials have already selected Textron's T-6JP Texan II as its basic trainer to replace the Fuji T-7, and a T-6 procurement contract should be signed before year's end. However, Japan next needs to think clearly about how to replace its Kawasaki T-4 intermediate jet trainers, more than 200 of which entered service from 1988. With the JASDF now flying fifth-generation F-35A/F-35B fighters, the T-4 is deemed unfit for the task of transitioning fighter pilots to such advanced aircraft. Tokyo is currently mulling its options for new advanced jet trainers. It issued a request for information in October 2024, and the submission deadline closed on May 8, 2025. Select domestic and foreign vendors attending DSEI Japan, held in Chiba from May 21-23, were touting their respective products. Boeing was promoting the T-7A Red Hawk, while Leonardo believes the M-346 Block 20 is best suited. Elsewhere, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is even proffering a clean-sheet T-X design. Responding to a Defense News question about the T-7A at DSEI Japan 2025, John Suding, Boeing's Executive Director for Defense and Government Services in East Asia, said, 'We believe the T-7 would be a fantastic fit.' He continued, 'The training that it will do for the United States Air Force is very similar to the training that Japan does for their air force, and particularly for their fighter fleet, so with F-35s and F-15s being upgraded, there's a lot of commonality there within the training system.' One thing in favor of an American platform being eventually selected was a U.S.-Japan leaders' summit in April 2024. This saw the two countries announce exploration of joint development of a trainer aircraft to replace the T-4 fleet. However, Leonardo believes it has a compelling offering with its M-346 Block 20, a new variant with improved avionics and cockpit display that will be delivered to first customer, Austria, in 2028. The company had a cockpit simulator at DSEI Japan 2025, and Diego Siccardi, responsible for Leonardo's international campaigns in the Far East and Oceania, highlighted several points in the platform's favor. One is that, since 2022, a handful of Japanese fighter pilots have been flying M-346s in advanced fighter training in the commercially run International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Sardinia, Italy. Siccardi said, 'They're really happy about the training level they're getting there,' with plans to expand pilot numbers. Another advantage is Japan's rapidly expanding cooperation with Europe under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Creating synergy, this trilateral project involves Leonardo and Japan. It's a landmark program for Tokyo, given that it traditionally cooperates so closely only with the United States. Thirdly, Siccardi stressed Leonardo's willingness to transfer technology to Japan and work with domestic Japanese partners. 'We're looking to maximize the indigenous content,' he acknowledged. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries displayed a scale model depicting a T-X trainer aircraft at DSEI Japan 2025. With work commencing last year, the project is still in its early stages, so officials could not provide too many clear details. The twin-engine aircraft would feature an advanced cockpit system containing large touchscreens, as well as embedded simulator functions. Officials told Defense News that the T-X could also replace F-2B and F-15DJ trainer variants, which explains why the trainer's size approaches that of an F-2. However, the factor mitigating against the T-X is time. It would take multiple years to develop and be ready for procurement. Therefore, its future entirely depends on the JASDF's schedule for retiring the T-4 and whether Japan's Ministry of Defence wants to pursue a wholly indigenous design. As the JASDF updates its trainer aircraft platforms, there is an opportunity to simultaneously overhaul its training system. CAE is one company keen to help. Marc-Olivier Sabourin, CAE's Division President, Defence & Security International, told Defense News: 'The current Japanese program is relying on assets that are becoming obsolete, so their training throughput is challenged. But also the training proficiency they get with their existing training system still creates a significant gap between the cadet knowledge and F-35 operations.' CAE does not currently hold any JASDF contract for pilot training, but there is growing interest from Japan for an integrated learning environment. This appetite was whetted when CAE ran a study with 30 Japanese pilot cadets around one and a half years ago. That study utilized virtual reality-based simulators to provide independent instruction and coaching. Gary Eves, CAE's principal technology officer, said: 'We completed the study, and we were able to show that within just one hour of AI-based coaching, I could make about a 20% improvement on their grade performance without an instructor.'
India.com
28-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
World's largest air forces, India ranks at..., country at number 6 will shock you, name is...
The Indian Air Force is the fourth-largest in the world. (File) Largest Air Forces 2025: The recent India-Pakistan military confrontation, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have proven that aerial superiority will decide the outcome of any and all future wars across the globe, and even a smaller nation, such as Israel, can keep a host of enemy countries at bay, primarily due to its superior air force. On that note, let us a take a look at the top 10 largest air forces in the world today, according to rankings based on data compiled through 2024 and released in 2025 by World Population Review. Countries are ranked based on their number of military aircraft which are currently in service: United States (United States Air Force): Unsurprisingly, the United States Air Force (USAF) is the world's largest air force, boasting a fleet of 14,000 warplanes, coupled with some of the most cutting-edge technology in avionics, weaponry, stealth, and radar tech. This number includes aircraft in fleets of all branches of the US Armed Forces, including the Air Force, Navy, Marines, and the US Army. Russia: The Russian Air Force (RAF) stands a distant second in the list of largest air forces, with a fleet estimated at around 4,292 military planes, which includes a combination of lethal bombers such as the Tupolev Tu-160 'White Swan', as well as advanced fighter jets like the Su-35, and the 5th-gen Sukhoi Su-57. China: The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) aka the Chinese Air Force, ranks third with a fleet of 3,304 military planes, including the 5th-generation J-20 and J-35 stealth fighter jet, and a recently unveiled 6th-gen fighter jet (the world's first), unofficially dubbed the J-36. India: The India Air Force (IAF) is one of the most formidable air forces on the planet, boasting the world's fourth-largest military aircraft fleet which current stands at 2,296 fighters, including 4.5-gen French Rafale fighters which decimated Pakistan in the recent conflict. Japan: The Japanese air force, officially known as the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), is one of the well-equipped globally, boasting a fleet of US-made 5th-generation fighter jets such as the F-35 Lightning II, and the F-15J– an upgraded version of the F-35 specifically designed for Japan. The JASDF has a fleet of 1,459 military planes, according to latest estimates. Pakistan: Despite its failing economy, Pakistan has managed to remain a formidable military force in South Asia, periodically making enhancements to its Armed forces, especially the Pakistan Air Force. At present, the PAF has a fleet of 1,434 fighter planes, which include a mix of US-made F-16s, Chinese JF-17 Thunder and J10C fighters, and French Mirage jets. South Korea: Owing to its strategic alliance with the US, South Korea has built a formidable air force to counter regional threats, especially from its nuclear-armed North Korean cousins. The South Korean Air Force, officially called the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), boasts a fleet of 1,171 fighter jets, including US-made F-35A Lightning II, KF-16 fighters, and indigenous KAI T-50 trainers. Egypt: Egypt maintains one of the largest air forces in the Middle East, with the Egyptian Air Force currently having an operational fleet of 1,093 fighter planes, which includes a unique mix of US F16s, French Rafales, and Russian MiGs. Turkey: A key NATO ally that has emerged as a global force in defense manufacturing, especially advanced military drones, also boasts a formidable air force, which is one of the largest in West Asia. The Turkish Air Force has a fleet of 1,069 fighter jets, including F-16 Fighting Falcons, but its primary strength remains unmanned aerial systems such as the globally-recognized Bayraktar military drones. France: A key defence manufacturer in the European Union (EU) and NATO, France maintains a formidable air force that is backed by an advanced fleet of indigenously built Rafale fighter jets, and bleeding-edge military technology capable of dusting an even larger military force. The French Air and Space Force (FASF) currently has fleet of 972 advanced fighter jets, along with transport and reconnaissance aircraft.
Japan Forward
16-05-2025
- General
- Japan Forward
Search Continues for Crew of Crashed Defense Force Trainer Jet
このページを 日本語 で読む Following the crash of a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) T-4 trainer jet, search efforts are still underway as of May 16 for the two missing crew members. The aircraft went down on May 14 in Lake Iruka, a reservoir located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. The search, led by the Self-Defense Forces, is being carried out in coordination with the prefectural police and the local fire department. A T-4 trainer jet at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Ibaraki Prefecture. It is suspected that a sudden issue occurred shortly after takeoff. The JASDF is working to determine the cause of the accident as quickly as possible. Search crews are using civilian boats to comb the entire pond for any signs of the missing crew. Divers have been deployed, and aerial searches are being conducted using helicopters and other aircraft. On May 15, debris believed to be from the aircraft was recovered from the pond. At a press conference following a Cabinet meeting on May 16, former Defense Minister Gen Nakatani provided updates on the ongoing search and investigation. Firefighters begin search efforts at Lake Iruka on 9:32 AM, May 15, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. The T-4 took off from Komaki Air Base in Aichi Prefecture at around 3:06 PM on May 14, heading to Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture. On board were First Lieutenant Takuji Iioka, 31, and Second Lieutenant Shota Amitani, 29. The aircraft maintained a stable flight for about one minute before suddenly losing altitude during a right turn at around 1,400 meters. It disappeared from radar roughly two minutes after takeoff. No emergency call or distress signal has been confirmed. In response to the crash, the JASDF has temporarily grounded all T-4 aircraft. An internal accident investigation committee is working to determine the cause. However, because the jet was not equipped with a flight recorder (black box), the investigation is expected to be particularly challenging. In the wake of the crash, words of support have come from abroad. United States Ambassador to Japan George Glass posted on X, stating, "The United States stands ready to offer our Japanese partners all assistance and support, if needed." Author: The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Today
15-05-2025
- General
- Japan Today
Japan starts emergency inspections on nearly 200 military training planes after crash
By Mari Yamaguchi Japan's Air Self Defense Force has begun emergency safety inspections on all of its nearly 200 military training aircraft after one of the planes crashed minutes after takeoff, officials said Thursday. The T-4 training aircraft, operated by the JASDF, and carrying two service members, crashed into a reservoir Wednesday, minutes after taking off from Komaki Air Base in the central Japanese prefecture of Aichi. While the search operation for the missing aircraft and the two crew members continued Thursday, the military announced that it had started emergency inspections on all remaining 196 of the training planes deployed at JASDF bases across the country. Their operation has been suspended since the crash and they will remain grounded until the cause is identified and safety checks are completed, Hiroaki Uchikura, the air force chief of staff, told reporters on Wednesday. The crash is the latest in a series of defense aircraft accidents in recent years and comes at a time when Japan is accelerating a military buildup to deter China's influence in the region and double its defense spending, raising concern that funding for weapons may be prioritized over safety measures. The crashed plane was a 36-year-old T-4 operated out of Nyutabaru Air Base, in the southern prefecture of Miyazaki. It wasn't fitted with a voice recorder or a flight data recorder, a setback for the investigation. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani on Thursday announced plans to promptly fit the training aircraft with voice and flight data recording equipment. The JASDF said Thursday the plane experienced trouble when it reached an altitude of 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) about one minute after takeoff. Kyodo News agency said that air traffic control didn't receive any contact from the T-4 aircraft about an emergency. The force said the plane was lost from radar two minutes after departure and crashed into a reservoir called the Iruka pond, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) northeast of the air base. Witnesses told the NHK national broadcaster that they heard a loud noise like thunder at the time of the crash. Debris believed to be of the aircraft, as well as lifesaving equipment and helmets of the crew were found near the reservoir. © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
CTV News
15-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Japan starts emergency inspections on nearly 200 military training planes after crash
A member of Japan's Self-Defense Forces hold objects believed to be debris from an Air Self-Defense Force trainer jet after they retrieved from a reservoir in Inuyama, central Japan, Thursday, May 15, 2025, following the trainer jet crash Wednesday. (Koji Harada/Kyodo News via AP) TOKYO — Japan's air force has begun emergency safety inspections on all of its nearly 200 military training aircraft after one of the planes crashed minutes after takeoff, officials said Thursday. The T-4 training aircraft, operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, or JASDF, and carrying two service members, crashed into a reservoir Wednesday, minutes after taking off from Komaki Air Base in the central Japanese prefecture of Aichi. While the search operation for the missing aircraft and the two crew members continued Thursday, the military announced that it had started emergency inspections on all remaining 196 of the training planes deployed at JASDF bases across the country. Their operation has been suspended since the crash and they will remain grounded until the cause is identified and safety checks are completed, Hiroaki Uchikura, the air force chief of staff, told reporters on Wednesday. The crash is the latest in a series of defense aircraft accidents in recent years and comes at a time when Japan is accelerating a military buildup to deter China's influence in the region and double its defense spending, raising concern that funding for weapons may be prioritized over safety measures. The crashed plane was a 36-year-old T-4 operated out of Nyutabaru Air Base, in the southern prefecture of Miyazaki. It wasn't fitted with a voice recorder or a flight data recorder, a setback for the investigation. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani on Thursday announced plans to promptly fit the training aircraft with voice and flight data recording equipment. The JASDF said Thursday the plane experienced trouble when it reached an altitude of 4,000 feet (1,200 metres) about one minute after takeoff. Kyodo News agency said that air traffic control didn't receive any contact from the T-4 aircraft about an emergency. The force said the plane was lost from radar two minutes after departure and crashed into a reservoir called the Iruka pond, about 10 kilometres (6 miles) northeast of the air base. Witnesses told the NHK national broadcaster that they heard a loud noise like thunder at the time of the crash. Debris believed to be of the aircraft, as well as lifesaving equipment and helmets of the crew were found near the reservoir. Mari Yamaguchi, The Associated Press
