The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center has recently made a significant contract modification, awarding Textron Aviation a contract worth $90.7 million for the delivery of eight Beechcraft T-6C aircraft to Tunisia. The total value of this contract stands at $105.4 million, with the delivery of these aircraft scheduled to be completed by September 2026. This modification follows the initial contract awarded in 2021, which amounted to $12.5 million for long lead efforts. The work for this contract will be carried out in Wichita, Kansas, and is projected to conclude by October 2022. It is important to note that this contract falls under Foreign Military Sales to Tunisia and was obtained through a sole-source acquisition.

The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II, a single-engine turboprop trainer aircraft, was initially developed by the Raytheon Aircraft Company, later becoming Hawker Beechcraft and eventually being acquired by Textron Aviation in 2014. This versatile trainer aircraft, based on the Pilatus PC-9, serves as a replacement for both the United States Air Force’s Cessna T-37B Tweet and the United States Navy’s T-34C Turbo Mentor. The T-6C Texan II, an upgraded version of the T-6B, is equipped with wing hard points and is primarily intended for export sales. However, it is important to note that there is no confirmation of a contract for four AT-6C Wolverine light attack aircraft at this time.

In October 2019, the U.S. State Department granted approval for a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Tunisia, encompassing twelve T-6C Texan II aircraft, along with related equipment and support, estimated to cost USD 234 million. This addition of T-6C aircraft will significantly enhance Tunisia’s ability to respond to and address various threats across the nation. On November 19, 2020, the Tunisian Minister of National Defense formally announced the government’s approval of the contract for eight T-6C Texan II trainer aircraft, including associated equipment and support. These T-6Cs are expected to replace Tunisia’s aging advanced trainer fleet, which currently consists of L-59T jet trainers.

Furthermore, the Government of Tunisia has expressed interest in acquiring four AT-6C Wolverine Light Attack Aircraft, along with the necessary supporting equipment. This equipment includes 312 MAU-169 computer control groups, 468 MK81 250 LB GP bombs, and 3,290 advanced precision kill weapon systems (APKWS), in addition to bomb components and practice bombs. The proposed sale also encompasses both gravity and guided munitions, such as 468 Mark 81 250-lb bombs, 48 Mark 82 bombs, Paveway II laser guidance units, and 3,290 APKWS laser guidance units designed for 2.75-inch rockets. Additionally, the package includes six .50 caliber machine guns and six L-3 WESCAM MX 15D Multi-Spectral targeting systems. The AT-6B Wolverine serves as an armed variant of the T-6B, suitable for primary weapons training and light attack roles.

In conclusion, this contract modification between Textron Aviation and the U.S. Air Force signifies a significant step in strengthening Tunisia’s air capabilities. It also underscores the continued partnership between the United States and Tunisia in enhancing national defense and security.