Overview

• The Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) confirmed the deaths of two crew members in the May 14 crash of a T-4 training aircraft in Aichi Prefecture.
• The plane crashed into a reservoir near Komaki Air Base shortly after takeoff, with autopsies indicating the crew died within two minutes of the incident.
• All 196 remaining T-4 training aircraft have been grounded for emergency inspections as authorities work to determine the cause of the crash.
• ASDF Chief Hiroaki Uchikura expressed deep regret over the loss and pledged to improve aviation safety following the tragedy.
• This incident adds to concerns about military aviation safety as Japan accelerates defense training and spending in response to regional security challenges.