In a ceremony on 10 March 2025 at MCAS Iwakuni, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) retired its last U-36A Learjets.

The first aircraft was converted by Shin Maywa at Tokushima and was delivered to the JMSDF in March 1986. After testing and evaluation with test unit 51 Kokutai at Atsugi, it was delivered to 81 Kokutai at Iwakuni. The sixth and final aircraft was delivered in December 1993.

 

The JMSDF used the U-36A as an anti-air training support aircraft and its role was to test and train the anti-air and countermeasure systems of JMSDF ships. The right wing pod houses a camera, while the left has a missile seeker simulator (that is, it emits a signal probably similar to active radar guided missiles, so that the ships can test their ECM systems against it). It also carries chaff pods, and towed targets for target practice.

 

The U-36As were first operated by 81 Kokutai, after March 2001 they became part of new unit 91 Kokutai, later joined by the UP-3D Orions. In October 2020, 91 Kokutai was disbanded and became part of 81 Kokutai again, albeit as 812 Hikotai.

 

Two aircraft were written off, 9202 on 21 May 2003 when it crashed at Iwakuni after a possible bird hit while performing touch and goes, and 9203 on 28 February 1991 when it hit the water during a low level ECM Exercise. 

 

9201 was retired at the end of 2021.

9204 was retired by the end of 2023.

9205 and 9206 retired by March 2025.