Textron Aviation Defense Secures First Contract to Deliver Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System to Japan

WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 21, 2025--

Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced that the company has finalized its first contract to deliver the Beechcraft T-6JP Texan II integrated training system to Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), in coordination with Kanematsu Corporation. The initial contract includes two Beechcraft T-6JP Texan II aircraft and instructor pilot and aircraft maintainer training materials. Deliveries of the first two aircraft are scheduled for 2029, with additional contracts anticipated.

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The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc.

“This contract marks a pivotal step in strengthening Japan’s next-generation pilot training capabilities,” said Travis Tyler, president and CEO, Textron Aviation Defense. “We’re honored to support the Japan Air Self-Defense Force with a proven, interoperable training system that’s trusted by air forces around the world and tailored to meet Japan’s mission requirements for decades to come.”

With more than 1,000 aircraft in service and over 5 million flight hours logged, the T-6 Texan II is the world’s most widely adopted integrated training system. Now including Japan, it supports pilot training across 15 nations, pilots from 40 countries at two NATO flight schools and multiple U.S. military branches.

Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force’s choice of the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II platform reflects confidence in Textron Aviation Defense’s military training systems.

About the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II

The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is the world’s premier military flight trainer. Backed by more than 95 years of experience delivering more than 255,000 aircraft worldwide, the Texan II’s low acquisition, operating and sustainment costs enable global air forces to fast-track pilot production. With an installed base that more than quadruples its closest competitor, the family of Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has been the world’s number one integrated training system (ITS) for more than 20 years. The Texan II capitalizes on an active production line with an industry-leading Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) rating of 10 as well as a proven supply chain.

About Textron Aviation Defense LLC

With a legacy of thousands of proven Beechcraft and Cessna Integrated Training Systems produced and missionized in America’s Heartland since WWII, military customers turn to Textron Aviation Defense when they need airborne solutions for their critical missions. Provider of the world’s foremost military flight trainer, Textron Aviation Defense equips militaries worldwide and leads in low acquisition, sustainment and training costs. The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II fleet of more than 1,000 aircraft has logged more than 5 million hours across two NATO military flight schools and fifteen countries since 2001. Textron Aviation Defense is a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc. For more information, visit www.defense.txtav.com

About Textron

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the efficacy of research and development investments to develop new products or unanticipated expenses or delays in connection with the launching of significant new products or programs; and risks related to U.S. Government contracts as described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Textron Aviation Defense Secures First Contract to Deliver Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System to Japan

Textron Aviation Defense Secures First Contract to Deliver Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System to Japan

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel declined to address his future with the team after Miami was routed 45–21 by the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, the latest in a series of embarrassing losses.

Miami has already been eliminated from the playoffs for the second straight season. And for the second consecutive game, the Dolphins unraveled in the third quarter, undone by the costly mistakes that have plagued them all year.

NFL Network reported earlier Sunday that owner Stephen Ross is expected to stick with McDaniel in 2026 despite another season of unfulfilled expectations for the Dolphins, who hold the NFL's longest playoff win drought at 25 years.

“The focus for me as a head coach, there is plenty to focus on," said McDaniel, declining to say if he's been told that he's coming back next season.

“I don’t spend my time thinking about the job I already have,” he added. “I try to do it to the best of my ability, and I have work to do to get our third quarters right. We’re not going to have any time to waste because there’s going to be a hungry Tampa (Bay) team that we’re going to face in a week. My focus is there, and everyone depends on me to have my focus there.”

McDaniel, who has faced questions about his job security all season, was much more willing to voice his frustration about the Dolphins' poor second half. Miami turned the ball over four times, leading to four Bengals touchdowns.

“I’m just very, very frustrated and angry about this continued third-quarter thing,” McDaniel said, “where it appears ... really the dam breaks and all of a sudden we play a different style of football. The way I look at it is I’m furious because I’m allowing it to happen. It starts with me. While I’m up here after games, you probably won’t get much other finger-pointing besides I need to get it fixed.”

Last week's loss at Pittsburgh ended the Dolphins' postseason hopes, and it also became clear that McDaniel would have to make what he described as a tough decision to bench struggling quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for rookie Quinn Ewers.

After naming Ewers the Dolphins' starter earlier this week, McDaniel said he was looking for conviction from the quarterback position.

In his first career start, Ewers provided Dolphins fans — some of whom put brown paper bags on their heads as the game got out of hand — a look at what he can add to the Dolphins' passing game.

Ewers completed 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards and led three scoring drives. He appeared calm operating Miami's offense and showed his ability to extend plays with his legs, something the Dolphins were missing with Tagovailoa this season.

“It didn’t feel fast to me,” Ewers said. “During the week I thought we did a good job of keeping our eyes on the play clock and not getting in the rhythm of practice. Like, ‘Hey, it’s just practice. We’re going to continue on to just go through the motions.’ But we had a play clock on me during the week, which I think helped a lot. It felt good to be out there. Didn’t feel fast.”

Ewers appeared more rattled in the second half, throwing a pair of interceptions, but McDaniel did not critique the rookie's second-half performance too much because of the way the team unraveled.

Tagovailoa was Miami's emergency third quarterback behind Ewers and veteran Zach Wilson. He stood on the sideline with a clipboard, giving Ewers pointers and celebrating after positive plays.

“He was good. Super encouraging to me and all the guys,” Ewers said. “He’s in a tough position in that spot. ... I’ve been there, and I know how he feels. I thought he did a really good job of helping me out on the sideline and continuing to talk to those guys and continuing to encourage those guys.”

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers pauses during a news conference following a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers looks to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

A fan shows his frustration with the Miami Dolphins following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel ponders a question at news conference following a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)