Argentina receives US State Department approval for T-6 sustainment and support deal

An Argentine Beechcraft T-6C+ Texan II. (Argentine Air Force)

The US Department of State has approved a possible USD73 million Foreign Military Sale of T-6 Texan aircraft sustainment and related support to Argentina, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on 8 April.

The government of Argentina requested modifications to the T-6 airframe and avionics to improve reliability, and for the integration of training munitions and external fuel tanks, according to the DSCA release. Buenos Aires is also requesting aircraft and engine support equipment; spare parts; heavy maintenance support; and US government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services, as part of the package.

The proposed deal needs approval by the US Congress. “The proposed renewal of T-6 aircraft support will provide the government of Argentina with the capability to meet current and future threats by revitalising Argentina's trainer aircraft capabilities and to aid in the overall development of a professional pilot corps,” DSCA said.

Textron Defense builds the T-6 Texan, a turboprop trainer and light-attack aircraft, which is also in use in Mexico. In August 2016, the US Department of State approved the sale of up to 24 T-6C+ aircraft to Argentina, in a deal estimated at USD300 million, to replace its Embraer EMB-312 Tucanos.