Japan's Air Force Adopts VR Simulators for Next-Gen Pilot Training Amid Defense Spending Surge
Japan's Air Self-Defense Force is adopting VR flight simulators from Kanematsu as part of a national defense spending increase, signaling a shift to next-gen pilot training technology.
Japanese trading house Kanematsu is set to deliver ground-based training systems, including virtual reality (VR) flight simulators, to Japan's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). The move comes as Japanese companies increasingly seek to capitalize on the nation's stepped-up defense spending.
According to a report from Nikkei, the VR systems will be supplied alongside new T-6 trainer aircraft. The JASDF chose the T-6, developed by U.S.-based Textron Aviation Defense, for its next generation of trainers. This integrated approach combines physical aircraft with advanced virtual training environments.
The deal is part of a broader trend where Japanese corporations are proposing advanced solutions, from AI to drones, to meet the country's modernizing defense needs. With the government increasing its defense budget, it’s creating a significant new market for the nation’s tech sector.
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