Japan Navy to replace the Fuji T-5 trainer

The Kaijyo Jietai (JMSDF, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force) has started the proces of replacing its fleet of Fuji T-5 primary training aircraft. Subaru Corporation, the old Fuji Heavy Industries, has been given a contract to produce yet another batch of T-5 turboprop trainers.

The order includes thirty new build T-5 aircraft. As no budget was allocated for this procurement in the FY2024 budget, it is expected that new aircraft be will produced not earlier then 2025.

This is the second time the JMSDF decides to replace an old batch of T-5s by a new batch. The first batch of 36 T-5s was ordered to replace the Fuji KM-2, with first deliveries starting in 1988. The second batch of thirty T-5s were entering service at the end of 2008 and the last one delivered beginning 2015. That was also the time the last T-5s of the original batch were noted.

The new batch will also be built at Utsunomiya, where the main factory of the aircraft division of Subaru Corporation is located. The T-5 is operated by 201 Kyoiku Kokutai from Ozuki in the western part of Honshu, near the bridge to Kyushu. Although the base has some nice photo spots, it is seldom visited by the spotting community.

Credit photo: Eric Tammer (Scramble Archive)