Tunisia - T-6C Texan Trainer Aircraft

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Tunisia for twelve (12) T-6C Texan trainer aircraft and related equipment and support for an estimated cost of $234 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Tunisia has requested a possible sale of twelve (12) T-6C Texan trainer aircraft, spare engines, cartridge actuated devices/propellant actuated devices operational flight trainer, spare parts, ground handling equipment, support equipment, software delivery and support, publications and technical documentation, clothing, textiles and individual equipment, aircraft ferry support, technical and logistical support services, site surveys, minor modifications/class IV support, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated value is $234 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the defense capabilities and capacity of a major non-NATO ally, which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa. This potential sale will provide additional opportunities for bilateral engagements and further strengthen the bilateral relationship between the United States and Tunisia.

The proposed sale will replace Tunisia's aging trainer fleet and allow Tunisia to continue training pilots to support Tunisia's counter-terrorism and border security missions. Tunisia will have no difficulty absorbing this aircraft into its armed forces.

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

The prime contractor will be Textron Aviation Defense LLC of Wichita, Kansas. There are no known offset agreement proposed with this potential sale. However, the purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of nine U.S. Government and one contractor representative to Tunisia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.