Deal For 25 Trainers, Support Equipment Could Top $190 Million

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress this week of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of T-6A Texan aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $190 million.

The Government of Israel has requested a possible sale of 25 Hawker Beechcraft T-6A Texan aircraft, Global Positioning System (GPS) with CMA-4124 GNSSA card and Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation System (INS) spares, ferry maintenance, tanker support, aircraft ferry services, site survey, unit level trainer, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $190 million.

The DSCA notes Israel's strategic position makes it vital to the United States' interests throughout the Middle East. "Our policy has been to promote Middle East peace, support the Israeli commitment to peace with other regional Arab countries, enhance regional stability and promote Israeli readiness and self-sufficiency,: the agency said. "It is vital to the US national interest to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives."

The Israeli Air Force's (IAF) current fleet of Zukit aircraft was produced in the early 1960s. The Zukit's high fuel and maintenance costs, and low mission capable rates led to the IAF's decision to procure new trainer aircraft. DSCA notes the new T-6A turboprops will reduce training fuel requirements by 66%.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region, the agency adds.

FMI: www.dsca.mil, www.hawkerbeechcraft.com