JMSDF issues RFP briefing notice for next-generation interm…

Satoshi Saito, Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (Ministry of Defense), announced in the Official Gazette on October 15, 2026, that a “Briefing on the Handover of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Next-Generation Intermediate Trainer, Ground Training Equipment, and Next-Generation Liaison Aircraft” will be held. The briefing is scheduled for October 21, 2026, at the Ministry of Defense (Ichigaya), and the deadline for the submission of proposals is set for 15:00 on November 30, 2026. The announcement was published in the public notice section of the Official Gazette on the same date and issued under the name of the Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Framework of the Announcement and Issuing Authority

This is a public notice to inform companies of the procedures for the handover of the Request for Proposals (RFP), a document through which the Ministry of Defense solicits proposals from companies. The issuer is Satoshi Saito, Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the date of publication is October 15, 2026. The body of the announcement consists of six items: the aircraft models etc. for which proposals are requested, requirements for participating companies, application guidelines for the briefing, an overview of the briefing, the submission deadline for proposals, and contact information.

According to the announcement, the content of the briefing will cover the procedures for the handover of the RFP, and details regarding the time and location will be communicated separately after application. The number of participants is limited to a maximum of three people per company.

Procurement Targets and Requirements for Participating Companies

The aircraft models etc. for which proposals are requested are as follows:

Next-generation intermediate trainer
Ground training equipment
Next-generation liaison aircraft
Procurement of equipment necessary for the operation, maintenance, and sustainment of the above
Services for the maintenance and supply of the procured aircraft and equipment

The requirements for participating companies are the following two points:

The company must be deemed appropriate by the Ministry of Defense for the disclosure of documents requiring special handling precautions.
The company must have the intention to respond to the request for proposals in good faith under its own responsibility and be capable of delivering the targets specified in Paragraph 1 of the announcement at a time designated by the government.

Application Deadline is October 16 at 15:00, Briefing on October 21

Companies wishing to participate in the briefing must submit the required documents via email by the application deadline of 15:00 on October 16, 2026. The submission destination is the contact point listed in Paragraph 6 of the announcement, and companies are requested to send the documents after prior coordination.

The four required documents are as follows:

“Expression of Intent to Propose”
“Pledge Regarding the Preservation of the Request for Proposals”
“Application Form for Participation in the Briefing on the Handover of the Request for Proposals”
“Documents confirming that the requirements for participating companies are met”

Proposal Submission Deadline and Contact Information

The deadline for the submission of proposals is 15:00 on November 30, 2026. The contact information listed in the announcement is as follows:

Address: 5-1 Ichigaya-Honmuracho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Department in charge: Aircraft Division, Equipment Planning Department, Maritime Staff Office, Ministry of Defense
Phone: 03-3268-3111 Ext. 51629, 51784
Email: tsunodatwd@mso.dss.mod.go.jp

Significance for Defense Industry Companies

This announcement establishes the entry process for receiving Requests for Proposals (RFPs) regarding the procurement of aircraft and educational equipment for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, specifically the next-generation intermediate trainer, ground-based training equipment, and the next-generation liaison aircraft. For interested companies, the practical focal point is that the application deadline is set for 15:00 on October 16, the day following the public notice. The submission of a pledge regarding the security of the RFP is a prerequisite for participation, and companies must be deemed appropriate by the Ministry of Defense for the disclosure of documents requiring careful handling.

Source: Official Gazette (dated October 15, 2026) Announcement “Briefing on the Handover of Requests for Proposals for the Next-Generation Intermediate Trainer, Ground-Based Training Equipment, and Next-Generation Liaison Aircraft,” Issued by Chief of Staff, Maritime Self-Defense Force, Satoshi Saito.