Defense & Military
Japan Grounds T-4 Fleet After Crash Amid Defense Modernization Push
JASDF suspends 196 training jets following reservoir crash, highlighting safety gaps in aging fleet as Japan boosts defense spending to 2% GDP by 2027.
On May 14, 2025, a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) T-4 training aircraft crashed into a reservoir shortly after takeoff, prompting the immediate grounding of nearly 200 similar aircraft across the country. The incident, which left two crew members missing, has reignited concerns about the safety of aging military equipment amidst Japan’s aggressive push to modernize its defense capabilities.
As Japan doubles down on military spending to counter regional threats, the balance between readiness and safety is under scrutiny. The crash has not only exposed vulnerabilities in Japan’s training infrastructure but also raised broader questions about how the country prioritizes its defense investments. This article delves into the technical, strategic, and policy dimensions of the crisis to understand its implications for Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific security landscape.
The Kawasaki T-4 is a subsonic intermediate jet trainer developed in the 1980s to replace older platforms like the Lockheed T-33 and Fuji T-1. Entering service in 1988, the T-4 is powered by twin Ishikawajima-Harima F3-IHI-30 turbofan engines and is capable of reaching speeds up to 1,038 km/h (645 mph). Designed for high-maneuverability training, it serves as a transitional aircraft for pilots moving on to advanced fighters such as the F-15 and F-2.
Currently, the JASDF operates approximately 208 T-4 units, including those used by the Blue Impulse aerobatic team. Despite its long-standing service record, the aircraft lacks modern safety features like cockpit voice recorders (CVRs) and flight data recorders (FDRs), which are standard in most NATO training aircraft.
The aircraft involved in the May 2025 crash was 36 years old and did not possess these critical investigative tools, significantly hampering efforts to determine the cause of the incident. Defense officials have since pledged to retrofit all T-4s with FDRs and CVRs by 2026.
“Swift installation of flight recorders is essential to prevent future tragedies. We must balance rapid capability growth with rigorous safety protocols,” Gen Nakatani, Defense Minister of Japan
The T-4 has been involved in several notable incidents over its operational lifespan. In 2000, a mid-air collision during a Blue Impulse practice session resulted in three fatalities and a six-month suspension of aerobatic operations. Another incident in 2014 saw two T-4s collide mid-air near Matsushima Air Base, though both aircraft managed to land safely.
More recently, the broader Self-Defense Forces have faced criticism for safety lapses. Between 2023 and 2024, a UH-60JA Black Hawk crash and two SH-60K helicopter collisions resulted in 18 fatalities, highlighting systemic issues in maintenance and operational readiness.
These events underscore the challenges of maintaining aging fleets under high operational tempos, particularly as Japan seeks to expand its military presence in a volatile regional environment. Following the crash, the JASDF grounded all 196 operational T-4 aircraft pending emergency safety inspections. This immediate action was aimed at preventing further incidents while investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, which occurred just two minutes after takeoff from Komaki Air Base.
The aircraft reportedly reached an altitude of 4,000 feet before losing radar contact. Witnesses described hearing a “thunder-like” sound near Iruka Pond, where debris and crew equipment were later discovered. No distress call was made before the crash, further complicating the investigation due to the lack of onboard recording systems.
In response, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani announced that all T-4s would be retrofitted with FDRs and CVRs, and the 2025 defense budget has allocated ¥6.6 billion (approximately $44 million) for the procurement of two new T-6 Texan II trainers and supporting ground systems.
The cost of maintaining the aging T-4 fleet is becoming increasingly unsustainable. Each flight hour costs approximately $3,500, compared to $2,800 for the more modern T-6 Texan II. Despite plans to replace the T-4 fleet by 2029, only two T-6 units are expected to be delivered by 2028, raising concerns about the feasibility of the timeline.
Critics argue that Japan’s defense modernization has overly focused on acquiring high-end platforms like the F-35, while underfunding essential infrastructure such as pilot training and safety systems. The lack of FDRs and CVRs in the T-4, a standard feature in NATO trainers, is a case in point.
This budgetary imbalance may hinder Japan’s ability to maintain a fully operational and safe air force, especially as its pilots prepare to operate increasingly sophisticated aircraft in joint exercises and potential conflict zones.
Under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan has committed to doubling its defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2027. This includes major acquisitions such as 147 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, as well as domestic development of the sixth-generation F-X stealth fighter in collaboration with the UK and Italy.
While these investments aim to counter growing threats from China and North Korea, they have also sparked debates about whether sufficient attention is being paid to foundational aspects like training and maintenance. The T-4 crash has brought these concerns to the forefront. Japan’s participation in multinational exercises such as Cope North 2025, which included the first trilateral F-35 sorties with the U.S. and Australia, further emphasizes the need for modern, reliable training platforms.
Aerospace analysts have pointed out that Japan’s delay in adopting newer training systems reflects deeper procurement inefficiencies. Tom Webster of Textron Aviation notes that the T-6 Texan II offers a cost-effective, integrated training solution compatible with fifth-generation fighter requirements.
Meanwhile, defense policy experts argue that adopting NATO-standard safety protocols and maintenance practices could significantly improve operational reliability. These include real-time health monitoring systems and standardized pilot training modules.
Global military aviation trends are moving toward multi-role trainers like the Korean T-50 and Indian HAL Tejas, which can serve both training and combat functions. Japan’s continued reliance on single-role platforms like the T-4 may limit its flexibility in future operational scenarios.
The grounding of Japan’s T-4 fleet in the wake of the May 2025 crash represents more than just a temporary operational pause—it marks a pivotal moment in the country’s defense strategy. As Japan seeks to bolster its military capabilities, ensuring that safety protocols keep pace with modernization efforts is essential.
Long-term solutions must include accelerating the transition to newer trainers like the T-6, retrofitting existing aircraft with modern safety equipment, and adopting international best practices for maintenance and training. Only by aligning its safety infrastructure with its strategic ambitions can Japan maintain both operational credibility and regional stability.
What caused the T-4 aircraft crash in May 2025? How many T-4 aircraft are currently grounded? What are Japan’s plans for replacing the T-4? Is Japan increasing its defense budget? How does the T-4 compare to modern training aircraft?
Japan’s Emergency Inspections of Military Training Aircraft: A Strategic and Safety Crossroads
Background: The T-4 Aircraft and Its Role in Japan’s Defense
Technical Overview of the Kawasaki T-4
Historical Safety Record of the T-4
Response and Strategic Implications
Emergency Measures and Operational Disruption
Financial and Modernization Challenges
Broader Defense Policy and Regional Security
Japan’s Accelerated Military Buildup
Expert and Industry Perspectives
Conclusion: Navigating the Crossroads of Safety and Readiness
FAQ
The exact cause is still under investigation. The aircraft lacked flight and voice recorders, which has made determining the cause more difficult.
All 196 operational T-4 training aircraft in Japan have been grounded pending safety inspections.
Japan plans to replace the T-4 with the T-6 Texan II by 2029, although only two units are expected to be delivered by 2028.
Yes, Japan aims to double its defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2027, focusing on modernization and regional deterrence.
The T-4 is more expensive to operate and lacks modern safety systems compared to newer trainers like the T-6 Texan II and Korean T-50.
Sources
Photo Credit: TheJapanTimes
Defense & Military
Saab Proposes 78 Aircraft and 12,600 Jobs to Canada
Saab offers Canada 72 Gripen E jets and 6 GlobalEye aircraft, promising 12,600 jobs and full maintenance rights in a mixed fleet proposal.
Swedish defense manufacturer Saab has presented the Canadian government with a sweeping proposal to supply the Royal Canadian Air Force with a mixed fleet of fighter jets and surveillance Military-Aircraft. According to reporting by CBC News, the company has pledged to create 12,600 jobs in Canada, contingent on the federal government purchasing 72 Gripen E fighter jets and six GlobalEye surveillance aircraft.
The proposal comes at a critical juncture for Canadian defense procurement. While Ottawa finalized an agreement in 2022 to acquire the Lockheed Martin F-35, the government has currently committed to an initial tranche of only 16 stealth fighters. Saab’s bid aims to secure the contract for the remaining 72 aircraft required to replace the aging CF-18 fleet, alongside a separate requirement for airborne early warning systems.
The core of Saab’s pitch is a “Made in Canada” industrial strategy designed to bolster domestic aerospace sovereignty. CBC News reports that the Manufacturers promise of 12,600 jobs is split between the two major hardware components of the deal.
Saab estimates that the production and sustainment of 72 Gripen E fighter jets would generate approximately 9,000 jobs. The Gripen E is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter known for its ability to operate in harsh environments and from dispersed locations, such as highways, features Saab argues are well-suited to Canada’s Arctic geography.
The second pillar of the proposal involves the GlobalEye, an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. This portion of the bid carries significant domestic political weight because the GlobalEye system is mounted on the Global 6000/6500 business jet airframe, manufactured by Bombardier in Toronto.
According to the proposal details, the GlobalEye program would account for roughly 3,600 of the promised jobs. This Partnerships with Bombardier positions the bid as a direct boost to the aerospace sectors in Ontario and Quebec.
Saab’s proposal challenges the conventional military preference for a uniform fleet. Canada has already begun the process of integrating the F-35 Lightning II, a 5th-generation stealth fighter designed for seamless interoperability with United States and NATO forces. Critics of the Saab proposal argue that operating a “mixed fleet”, consisting of 16 F-35s and 72 Gripens, would create logistical hurdles, requiring duplicate training pipelines, supply chains, and maintenance crews.
However, proponents of the Saab bid suggest that the Gripen’s lower operating costs and full technology transfer could offset these inefficiencies. Unlike the F-35, which relies on a global support network controlled largely by the US, Saab is offering Canada full intellectual property rights for maintenance, allowing for complete sovereign control over the fleet. The timing of Saab’s offer appears calculated to leverage current geopolitical and economic anxieties. With trade tensions rising between Ottawa and Washington, there is a growing political appetite for defense solutions that reduce reliance on US supply chains. By tying the bid to Bombardier and promising thousands of high-tech jobs in key electoral provinces, Saab is framing the decision as one of economic stability and national sovereignty rather than purely military capability.
Furthermore, the inclusion of the GlobalEye targets a specific gap in Canada’s defenses. While the Air Force has selected the Boeing P-8 Poseidon for maritime patrol, the requirement for a dedicated AEW&C platform to support NORAD remains unfilled. The GlobalEye competes directly against the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, which is already in use by key allies. Saab’s gamble is that the economic benefits of a Canadian-built airframe will outweigh the interoperability arguments favoring the Boeing alternative.
Beyond domestic defense, the proposal outlines a vision for Canada to become a production hub for Saab’s export markets. Reports indicate that Ukraine has expressed interest in acquiring the Gripen platform. Under Saab’s proposed model, Canadian facilities could potentially manufacture or assemble aircraft destined for third-party nations, effectively turning Canada into a significant exporter for the program.
What is the current status of Canada’s F-35 order? What is the GlobalEye? Why is a mixed fleet considered controversial?
Saab Pitches Major Defense Package to Ottawa: 78 Aircraft and 12,600 Jobs
Breaking Down the Industrial Offer
The Gripen E Program
The GlobalEye Surveillance System
Strategic Context: The Mixed Fleet Debate
AirPro News Analysis
Potential Export Implications
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada selected the F-35 in 2022 and has committed to buying an initial batch of 16 aircraft. The full planned fleet size is 88 jets, leaving the remaining 72 subject to final government approval and Contracts issuance.
The GlobalEye is an advanced airborne early warning system capable of simultaneous air, maritime, and ground surveillance. It uses the Erieye ER radar and is based on the Canadian-made Bombardier Global 6000/6500 airframe.
Operating two different types of fighter jets (the F-35 and the Gripen) increases costs and complexity. It requires two separate sets of pilots, mechanics, spare parts, and training simulators, which military planners typically try to avoid.
Sources
Photo Credit: SAAB
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin Delivers 350th MH-60R Seahawk to U.S. Navy
Lockheed Martin delivered the 350th MH-60R Seahawk helicopter to the U.S. Navy, highlighting ongoing production and future upgrade plans.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed Martin has officially delivered the 350th MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters to the United States Navy, marking a significant production milestone for the fleet’s primary anti-submarine warfare platform. According to a press release issued by the company on January 13, 2026, the ceremony took place at the Lockheed Martin facility in Owego, New York.
The aircraft is set to join Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41 (HSM-41), the Navy’s West Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron based at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. As the training unit for new naval aviators and aircrew, HSM-41 utilizes the latest airframes to ensure personnel are trained on the most current configurations before deploying to operational fleet squadrons.
This delivery underscores the longevity of the MH-60R program, which has served as the cornerstone of the Navy’s rotary-wing maritime strike capability since replacing legacy SH-60B and SH-60F fleets. Company officials emphasized that the platform is expected to remain in service well into the 2050s.
The delivery highlights the complex logistical coordination required to produce the “Romeo” variant. The Manufacturing process spans two major industrial hubs in the Northeast. The base airframe is manufactured by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, in Stratford, Connecticut. Following the initial build, the “green” airframe is flown to Owego, New York, for final mission systems integration.
In Owego, engineers install the advanced sensors, radars, and Avionics that define the MH-60R’s operational capabilities. This facility employs over 2,500 people and serves as a critical economic driver for New York’s Southern Tier region. Ali Ruwaih, Vice President of Maritime Systems at Lockheed Martin, commented on the significance of the milestone in the company statement:
“The delivery of the 350th MH-60R helicopter is a testament to the exceptional capabilities of this aircraft and the dedication of our team. We are proud to support the U.S. Navy and our global partners with this highly advanced multi-mission platform.”
The MH-60R is widely regarded as the most advanced maritime helicopter currently in operation. Its primary missions include Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW). To execute these missions, the aircraft is equipped with a multi-mode Radar-Systems for automatic periscope detection, advanced airborne low-frequency dipping sonar, and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras.
According to verified program data, the helicopter’s weapons loadout typically includes AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for surface targets and Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes for subsurface threats. The cockpit features a fully digital “glass” interface with four flat-panel displays designed to reduce pilot workload during complex missions. Recent operational reports indicate that the MH-60R has validated its capabilities in high-intensity environments. The platform has been instrumental in the Red Sea, where it has successfully countered asymmetric threats. Reports confirm that “Romeo” helicopters have engaged armed small boats and neutralized hostile aerial Drones (UAVs), demonstrating versatility beyond traditional anti-submarine roles.
Despite being a mature platform, the U.S. Navy has outlined a “Roadmap to 2045” to ensure the MH-60R remains relevant against evolving peer threats. Planned upgrades include the integration of Digital Magnetic Anomaly Detection (DMAD) sensors, which detect submarines via magnetic disturbances, and a shift toward open software architecture. This “open” standard will allow the Navy to rapidly integrate new technologies without requiring extensive hardware overhauls.
Capt. William Hargreaves, the U.S. Navy H-60 Program Manager, highlighted the aircraft’s enduring role in the fleet:
“The MH-60R has been the U.S. Navy’s primary anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter since 2010… This true multi-mission asset has proven itself in all aspects of land or maritime operations.”
The delivery of the 350th unit signals more than just a production achievement; it reinforces the U.S. Navy’s strategy of relying on proven, adaptable platforms rather than seeking immediate, high-risk replacements for rotary-wing assets. By investing in the “Roadmap to 2045” and Service Life Modernization (SLM) programs, the Navy is effectively betting that software upgrades and sensor integration will be more decisive in future conflicts than aerodynamic performance alone.
Furthermore, the continued production stability at Owego is vital for foreign military sales. With allies such as Australia, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, and India already operating the type, and future orders expected from nations like Norway and Spain, the MH-60R supply chain remains a critical component of Western naval interoperability.
Sources: Lockheed Martin Press Release
Lockheed Martin Delivers 350th MH-60R “Romeo” to U.S. Navy
Production and Industrial Integration
Operational Capabilities and Recent Performance
Combat Validation
Future Roadmap and Modernization
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
Sweden Invests $440M in Unmanned Military Drone Systems by 2028
Sweden allocates $440 million for unmanned drones, accelerating deliveries to 2026-2028, plus funding for counter-drone defenses and military satellites.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters. The original report may be paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.
On January 12, 2026, the Swedish government announced a significant acceleration in its defense capabilities, committing SEK 4 billion (approximately $440 million) specifically for the procurement of unmanned drone systems. As reported by Reuters, this investment marks a pivotal shift in Sweden’s military strategy following its accession to NATO and the ongoing lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.
Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson unveiled the package, emphasizing that the acquisition focuses on “mass and speed.” The initiative is designed to rapidly equip the Swedish Armed Forces with long-range attack drones, loitering munitions, and surveillance capabilities. According to government statements, deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2026 and 2028, a timeline that officials note has been compressed by nearly eight years compared to traditional procurement cycles.
This move represents one of the most direct applications of “lessons learned” from modern high-intensity conflicts, where the ubiquity of sensors and the necessity of expendable mass have redefined combat operations.
While the headline figure focuses on the $440 million for drones, additional reporting and government releases clarify that this is part of a triad of simultaneous investments. It is critical to distinguish the specific funding streams to understand the scope of the modernization effort.
According to details released by the Swedish Ministry of Defence, the funding is allocated as follows:
The separation of these funds highlights a dual approach: Sweden is simultaneously building the capacity to launch drone attacks while fortifying its defenses against similar threats.
The procurement strategy appears to favor a mix of proven international systems and emerging domestic technology. Based on recent testing by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and industry reports, several specific systems are likely candidates for these funds.
Sweden is actively seeking “loitering munitions”, systems that can hover over a target area before striking. Industry observers note that the FMV has conducted tests with the Israeli-made UVision “Hero” series. These systems provide soldiers with the ability to strike beyond the line of sight with high precision. Given Sweden’s strategic responsibility for the Baltic Sea, naval drones are a priority. Saab has been developing the Enforcer III, an unmanned surface vessel based on the Combat Boat 90 platform. Additionally, underwater systems like the Saab AUV62-MR are being deployed for mine reconnaissance and seabed mapping, a critical mission for protecting undersea cables and pipelines.
Funded by the separate SEK 3.5 billion package, Sweden has confirmed orders for the Saab Trackfire ARES. This system features a remote weapon station equipped with a 30mm chain gun and proximity-fuzed ammunition, designed to physically destroy incoming drones.
The driving force behind this investment is the concept of the “transparent battlefield,” where concealment is nearly impossible due to constant aerial surveillance. Defence Minister Pål Jonson was blunt in his assessment of the changing security landscape.
“The future battlefield will be characterized by unmanned systems and long-range capacity. Anyone who doesn’t understand that is going to be either dead or defeated.”
, Pål Jonson, Swedish Defence Minister (via Government.se)
As a new NATO member, Sweden is integrating its assets into the alliance’s northern flank. These unmanned systems will likely be used to monitor Russian naval activity in the Baltic Sea and provide early warning data to NATO command structures.
While the investment is substantial, some experts argue it may still be insufficient. Oscar Jonsson, a researcher at the Swedish Defence University, told reporters that while the strategic direction is correct, the volume of acquisition might not meet the demands of a full-scale conflict.
“We are doing pretty much what we always do. Buying expensive platforms in small numbers… [we need] mass.”
, Oscar Jonsson, Swedish Defence University
The Shift from Platforms to Payloads This investment signals a profound doctrinal shift for Sweden. Historically, the Swedish military has relied on a small number of extremely high-tech, high-cost platforms, such as the Gripen fighter jet and the Visby-class corvette. The decision to spend nearly half a billion dollars on unmanned systems, many of which are designed to be expended (destroyed) upon use, acknowledges the “cost exchange dilemma.”
In modern warfare, using a multi-million dollar missile to shoot down a $20,000 drone is economically unsustainable. By investing in low-cost interceptors like the domestic Kreuger 100 and mass-produced loitering munitions, Sweden is attempting to align its cost curve with the realities of attrition warfare. We assess that this is likely just the first tranche of such funding, as NATO pressure mounts for member states to stockpile “consumable” munitions rather than just “prestige” platforms.
When will the new drone systems be operational? Is this funding part of the NATO defense spending requirement? What is the difference between the drone and counter-drone packages?
Sweden Commits $440 Million to Unmanned Military Systems in Major Defense Overhaul
Breakdown of the Investment Packages
Targeted Capabilities and Hardware
Loitering Munitions
Marine and Underwater Drones
Counter-UAS Solutions
Strategic Context: The “Transparent Battlefield”
Expert Reactions
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Deliveries are scheduled to occur between 2026 and 2028. The government claims this timeline has been accelerated by up to eight years compared to standard procedures.
Yes. These investments contribute to Sweden meeting and exceeding the NATO target of spending 2% of GDP on defense.
The SEK 4 billion drone package is for offensive and surveillance systems (attacking and seeing). The SEK 3.5 billion counter-drone package is for defensive systems (shooting down enemy drones).
Sources
Photo Credit: REUTERS – Tom Little
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