Deal Would Include 24 Aircraft, Spare Engines And Parts, Other Equipment

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Argentina for T-6C+ Texan aircraft, training, and support. The estimated cost is $300 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 29, 2016.

The Government of Argentina has requested a possible sale of twenty-four (24) T-6C+ Texan trainer aircraft, spare engines, initial spare parts, support equipment, communications equipment, studies and surveys, contract logistics support and technical services, aircraft technical publications, aircraft ferry and support, life support equipment, initial maintenance training, initial pilot training, follow-on training, alternate mission equipment, Air Force Materiel Command services and travel, unclassified minor modifications and engineering change proposals, ground-based training system, operational flight trainer (OFT) and OFT spare parts. The estimated value is $300 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally. This potential sale will provide additional opportunities for bilateral engagements and further strengthen the bilateral relationship between the United States and Argentina.

The Argentine military has embarked on an ambitious path toward modernizing its military materiel. The proposed sale will revitalize Argentina's capability to train its pilots and fulfill border control missions, especially along its porous northern border. The Argentine Air Force (AAF) will use the enhanced capability to redevelop a professional pilot corps and as a deterrent to illicit activity. The AAF is very experienced working with the Pratt & Whitney PT6 family of engines which they currently have on their T-34, King Air, and Cessna Caravan aircraft. Given the logistical commonalities with the aircraft already in its fleet, the AAF will be able to support and field the new T-6C+s.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Beechcraft Defense Company, LLC, of Wichita, Kansas. The purchaser requested offsets. At this time, agreements are undetermined and will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor.

(Source: DSCA news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.dsca.mil