The T-2 was the first supersonic aircraft developed by the Japanese aircraft industry. It is a twin-engined two-seat jet trainer designed to meet the requirements of the JASDF. The first XT-2 prototype took to the air on 20 July 1971 and flew supersonically for the first time in level flight (Mach 1.03) during its 30th flight on 19 November 1971.

Production orders were placed for 92 T-2s: 28 T-2 advanced trainers, 62 T-2A combat trainers, and two as prototypes for the F-1 close-support fighter version. All of them retired from service by 1988.