Defense & Military
US Approves F16 Sale as Peru Selects Swedish Gripen Jets
US State Department approves F-16 sale to Peru after Peru chooses Saab Gripen E/F, highlighting defense modernization and procurement dynamics.
US State Department Approval of F-16 Sale to Peru Comes After Sweden Wins Fighter Competition
The United States State Department’s recent approval of a potential $3.42 billion Foreign Military Sale of F-16 Military-Aircraft to Peru, announced on September 15, 2025, marks a pivotal yet paradoxical moment in Latin America’s defense procurement landscape. This approval follows Peru’s earlier confirmation of its selection of the Swedish Saab Gripen E/F fighter jets, underscoring the complex interplay between strategic interests, procurement processes, and the shifting priorities of modern air forces.
Peru’s journey toward modernizing its air force highlights broader trends in global defense markets, where traditional alliances are no longer the sole determinant of procurement outcomes. Instead, factors such as lifecycle costs, technology transfer, and industrial cooperation have become central to decision-making. The case of Peru, caught between major American, European, and Russian suppliers, illustrates how middle-power nations are leveraging competition to secure the best possible terms for their national security and economic development.
This article examines the background and context of Peru’s modernization efforts, the competitive procurement process, the technical and economic factors at play, and the strategic implications of the decisions made by both Peru and its international partners.
Background and Context of Peru’s Air Force Modernization
Peru’s need to modernize its fighter fleet is rooted in decades of operational challenges with aging aircraft. The Peruvian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea del Perú, FAP) currently operates French Mirage 2000P/DP fighters, acquired in the mid-1980s, and Russian MiG-29 Fulcrums, introduced in the late 1980s. This mixed inventory has led to persistent logistical and maintenance difficulties, with only a fraction of the fleet remaining operational at any given time.
Operational readiness has been further hampered by the end of spare parts production for the Mirage 2000 and increasing difficulties in sourcing MiG-29 components, particularly as geopolitical tensions have complicated dealings with Russian suppliers. The situation reached a critical point after the loss of a Mirage 2000 in a training accident in April 2024, reducing Peru’s already limited operational inventory and accelerating the urgency for a replacement program.
To address these challenges, Peru structured its modernization program as a two-phase acquisition valued at $3.5 billion, with funding sourced through domestic borrowing. This approach, spread over 18 to 25 years, is designed to shield annual budgets from sudden spikes in defense spending and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.
Historical Context of Peru’s Defense Procurement
Peru’s historical procurement decisions have been shaped by both strategic necessity and political controversy. The initial acquisition of Mirage 2000 fighters was motivated by regional tensions, while the later purchase of MiG-29s reflected a pragmatic approach to diversify suppliers. However, this diversification has created redundant logistics chains and training requirements, leading to inefficiencies and higher costs.
In response to past procurement controversies, the Comptroller General of Peru now oversees all major defense acquisitions, aiming to ensure transparency and minimize corruption. This oversight, while adding complexity, is seen as essential to maintaining public trust and accountability in the face of substantial financial commitments.
These lessons from history have directly informed Peru’s current strategy, with a strong preference for a single supplier and fleet standardization to streamline operations and reduce long-term costs.
The Competitive Procurement Process
Peru’s search for a new fighter aircraft began in earnest in 2012, evolving into a comprehensive competition among several of the world’s leading aerospace Manufacturers. The finalists included Lockheed Martin’s F-16V Block 70 (USA), Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen E/F (Sweden), and Dassault’s Rafale F4 (France). Each contender brought distinct advantages in terms of capability, cost, and industrial cooperation.
The F-16V offered proven combat experience and extensive global support infrastructure, while the Gripen E/F emphasized lower lifecycle costs and robust technology transfer. The Rafale F4, though the most expensive, provided advanced multirole capabilities and European industrial partnerships. South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae was also considered but ultimately excluded due to its developmental status.
Peru’s evaluation went beyond acquisition costs, focusing on technical performance, delivery timelines, technology transfer, and offset agreements. A key requirement was the Delivery of at least two aircraft by July 2026, favoring platforms with established production lines and rapid delivery capabilities.
Technical and Commercial Evaluation
The technical assessment covered air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, radar and electronic warfare systems, weapons integration, and training. Commercially, lifecycle costs, including maintenance, spare parts, and training, were scrutinized to ensure long-term affordability.
Technology transfer emerged as a decisive factor, with manufacturers offering varying levels of local content production and industrial cooperation. Saab’s proposal, in particular, included commitments to local maintenance and potential expansion into civilian aerospace, aligning with Peru’s broader economic development goals.
The evaluation process reflected Peru’s intent to balance immediate operational needs with strategic industrial and economic benefits, setting a precedent for future procurement competitions in the region.
“Peru’s fighter competition shows that lifecycle costs, technology transfer, and delivery timelines are now as important as traditional alliances in major defense acquisitions.”
US State Department Approval of F-16 Sale
On September 15, 2025, the US State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Peru for twelve F-16 Block 70 aircraft, engines, weapons, and support, valued at $3.42 billion. The package included ten single-seat F-16C and two two-seat F-16D variants, advanced AESA radars, AMRAAM and Sidewinder missiles, and comprehensive logistical support.
The approval, announced after Peru’s selection of the Gripen E/F, was notable for its timing and scope. It signaled continued US interest in the Peruvian defense market and maintained the option for future cooperation, should negotiations with Sweden falter. The notification also underscored the economic significance for US contractors such as Lockheed Martin, General Electric, and RTX Corporation.
The US justification highlighted Peru’s importance as a regional partner and the potential for the sale to enhance Peru’s ability to safeguard its airspace and support counternarcotics operations. However, the absence of a proposed offset agreement in the notification reflected the more limited technology transfer typically available through US Foreign Military Sales compared to European alternatives.
Strategic and Policy Rationale
The US government framed the sale as supporting regional stability and countering transnational threats. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated that the sale would not alter the regional military balance and that Peru could absorb the new technology without difficulty.
The congressional notification process provided legislative oversight, with a standard 30-day review period. While Congress could theoretically block the sale, such actions are rare for allied nations. The notification included assurances that the sale would not require additional US personnel in Peru and would not adversely affect US defense readiness.
Despite the approval, the practical impact was limited by Peru’s prior commitment to the Gripen, illustrating the complexities of timing and competition in international arms sales.
Peru’s Selection of Swedish Gripen Fighter Jets
In July 2025, Peru confirmed its decision to acquire 24 Gripen E/F fighter jets from Saab, marking a significant victory for the Swedish manufacturer. The decision was driven by a combination of lower unit costs, faster delivery timelines, and more favorable offset terms compared to the F-16 and Rafale proposals.
The Gripen’s estimated unit cost of $110–120 million, coupled with a 24-month delivery timeline and comprehensive technology transfer, outweighed the advantages of the F-16’s lower acquisition price and the Rafale’s advanced capabilities but higher costs. Saab’s offset package included direct and indirect investments in Peru’s industrial base, with previous successful collaborations in naval shipbuilding providing additional credibility.
Swedish government engagement, including a high-level visit by the Defense Minister and demonstrations with Brazilian Air Force Gripens, further cemented the partnership. The intergovernmental agreement is expected to include provisions for local maintenance, spare parts production, and technology transfer with potential civilian applications.
Gripen E Capabilities and Industrial Cooperation
The Gripen E is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter equipped with advanced AESA radar, efficient GE F414G engines, and a wide array of weapons, including Meteor and IRIS-T missiles. Its design emphasizes low maintenance and operational costs, modular avionics, and the ability to operate from short runways, key advantages for Peru’s diverse geography.
Saab’s technology transfer package is expected to include local assembly, maintenance, and training, contributing to Peru’s defense industrial development and broader economic goals. Previous experience with Brazil’s Gripen program demonstrated Saab’s willingness to share production technology and establish sustainable partnerships.
The program’s financing, structured through Peru’s Banco de la Nación, allows for phased payments and long-term budget stability, further supporting the acquisition’s sustainability.
Technical and Economic Comparison of Competing Platforms
The competition between the F-16V Block 70, Gripen E, and Rafale F4 presented Peru with three distinct technological and economic propositions. The F-16V, with its extensive combat record and global support network, offered reliability and interoperability but less flexibility in technology transfer.
The Gripen E, though slightly more expensive per unit than the F-16V, promised lower lifecycle costs, rapid delivery, and significant industrial cooperation. Saab’s willingness to commit to technology transfer and local economic benefits proved decisive in Peru’s evaluation.
The Rafale F4, while technologically advanced, was the most expensive option and less aligned with Peru’s budgetary and industrial priorities. The French proposal emphasized capability, but its higher costs and longer delivery timelines made it less competitive in the Peruvian context.
Lifecycle Cost and Offset Considerations
Lifecycle cost analysis was a key differentiator, with the Gripen’s low maintenance requirements and efficient operation offering long-term savings. Saab’s offset package, including local production and training, provided additional value beyond the initial acquisition.
The US F-16 proposal, while competitive on acquisition cost, was limited by US export control regulations and less extensive technology transfer. Dassault’s Rafale, though offering advanced features, was constrained by higher costs and less favorable offset terms.
Peru’s ultimate decision reflects a broader trend toward procurement strategies that prioritize long-term affordability, industrial development, and operational flexibility over maximum platform capability alone.
Strategic and Geopolitical Implications
Peru’s choice of the Gripen over the F-16 and Rafale has significant implications for regional security, defense industry competition, and the future of US-Latin American defense relations. The decision signals a shift away from traditional supplier relationships and toward a more diversified, pragmatic approach focused on national interests.
Regionally, Peru joins Brazil in operating the Gripen, potentially opening avenues for shared training, logistics, and operational cooperation. The move also reflects a broader Latin American trend of seeking defense partnerships that combine advanced technology with economic and industrial benefits, rather than relying solely on established alliances.
For the US, the outcome highlights the need to adapt its defense sales and cooperation strategies to remain competitive, particularly in markets where technology transfer and industrial partnerships are increasingly valued.
“The success of European defense manufacturers in Latin America shows that cost-effectiveness and genuine partnership can outweigh traditional alliance advantages.”
Conclusion
The US State Department’s approval of a potential F-16 sale to Peru, coming after the country’s selection of the Gripen E, encapsulates the evolving dynamics of international defense procurement. Peru’s decision was shaped by a decade-long evaluation process that balanced operational needs, lifecycle costs, and industrial development objectives.
This case underscores the importance of transparency, competitive bidding, and strategic alignment in major defense acquisitions. It also demonstrates that future success in global defense markets will depend on adaptability, competitive pricing, and the ability to forge genuine, mutually beneficial partnerships.
FAQ
Question: Why did Peru choose the Gripen E over the F-16 or Rafale?
Answer: Peru selected the Gripen E due to its lower lifecycle costs, faster delivery timelines, and a more attractive technology transfer and offset package compared to the F-16 and Rafale.
Question: What does the US State Department approval mean for the F-16 sale?
Answer: The approval keeps the F-16 option open should Peru reconsider, but as of now, Peru has committed to the Gripen E. It also signals continued US interest in defense cooperation with Peru.
Question: How will the Gripen E benefit Peru’s defense industry?
Answer: Saab’s offset package includes local maintenance, training, and potential production, which could strengthen Peru’s defense industrial base and provide broader economic benefits.
Question: What are the main challenges Peru faces in implementing the Gripen program?
Answer: Key challenges include meeting ambitious delivery timelines, ensuring stable financing, and maintaining political continuity to support the acquisition through changing governments.
Question: How does this procurement affect regional military balance in South America?
Answer: The acquisition modernizes Peru’s air force but is not expected to alter the regional military balance significantly. It aligns Peru with Brazil, which also operates the Gripen, and supports regional stability.
Sources: Reuters
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
Bell Boeing Awarded $157M Contract to Upgrade V-22 Osprey Fleet
The DoD awarded Bell Boeing a $157 million contract for structural upgrades to the V-22 Osprey, focusing on nacelles and pylons with completion by 2028.
This article summarizes reporting by Defence Blog and additional defense research.
The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a sole-source contract worth up to $157 million to the Bell Boeing Joint Program Office for critical upgrades to the V-22 Osprey fleet. Announced on April 10, 2026, the contract focuses on structural and mechanical improvements to the MV-22 and CMV-22 variants utilized by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
According to reporting by Defence Blog, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is managing the initiative. The upgrades specifically target the aircraft’s nacelles and pylon assemblies, which have historically been the most maintenance-intensive components of the tiltrotor aircraft.
This financial investment underscores the military’s ongoing commitment to extending the service life, safety, and operational readiness of the Osprey. Currently, the V-22 platform has no direct replacement in production, making sustainment efforts a high priority for the Pentagon.
Contract Details and Deliverables
The $157 million agreement provides stable near-term financing for the Bell Boeing joint venture. Defense research data indicates that at the time of the award, $60.67 million in Fiscal Year 2025 Navy aircraft procurement funds and $16.25 million in FY 2026 funds were obligated. None of these funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
Deliverables under this contract include 10 Nacelle Improvement Kits and three shipsets of Pylon Support Assemblies. The estimated completion date for this manufacturing and upgrade work is December 2028. The order was not competitively bid, reflecting the proprietary, sole-source nature of V-22 production and sustainment under the Bell Boeing joint program.
Production Distribution
The manufacturing work will be distributed across three primary facilities in two states. According to defense research reports, the vast majority of the production, 84 percent, will take place in Amarillo, Texas. An additional 15 percent will be handled in Fort Worth, Texas, while the remaining 1 percent is allocated to Ridley Park, Pennsylvania.
Technical Focus: Nacelles and Pylons
The V-22 Osprey’s unique capability to take off vertically like a helicopter and fly forward like a turboprop relies heavily on its nacelles. These engine housings, mounted at each wingtip, rotate through a 90-degree arc during flight transitions.
However, the rotating mechanisms and internal drive systems within these nacelles have proven to be highly demanding from a maintenance perspective. The newly funded upgrades aim to reduce mechanical issues and improve overall fleet reliability to sustain the high operational tempo required by the U.S. military.
Pylon Support Assemblies
In addition to the nacelles, the contract funds upgrades to the pylon support assemblies. These critical structures connect the nacelles to the wings and are responsible for absorbing immense operational loads and structural stress during flight.
Strategic Context and Safety Overhauls
The Osprey remains an indispensable asset for U.S. forces. The Marine Corps relies on the MV-22 for its “distributed maritime operations” concept, utilizing the aircraft’s long-range speed and vertical lift across the vast distances of the Indo-Pacific theater. Meanwhile, the Navy’s CMV-22B variant recently began replacing the aging C-2A Greyhound for Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) missions, transporting personnel and priority cargo to aircraft carriers at sea.
Despite its unique capabilities, the V-22 program has faced significant public and congressional scrutiny following a series of mechanical issues and fatal mishaps. Readiness rates for the aircraft have historically hovered below 60 percent.
Broader Modernization Efforts
This $157 million contract is part of a wider, multi-year Department of Defense effort to address the Osprey’s mechanical vulnerabilities and ensure the long-term safety of service members.
“The upgrades focus on the most mechanically demanding elements of the Osprey’s unique tiltrotor design,” according to defense research reports.
Notably, the Osprey fleet has been operating under restricted flight profiles since April 2025. As noted in recent defense reports, this restriction accommodates a separate, highly critical upgrade to the proprotor gearbox, which incorporates triple-melted steel components to remove metal impurities and enhance safety.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that the Pentagon is increasingly forced to balance the high costs of sustaining aging, complex platforms against the delayed fielding of next-generation alternatives. Because the Bell V-280 Valor remains in development for the Army and is not yet ready for Navy or Marine Corps integration, the military has no choice but to heavily invest in the V-22’s mechanical longevity.
Furthermore, the concentration of manufacturing work in Texas highlights the localized economic impact of the defense industrial base. By funneling 99 percent of this contract’s production into Amarillo and Fort Worth through 2028, the DoD is simultaneously reinforcing domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities while attempting to rectify the Osprey’s long-standing readiness shortfalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of the Bell Boeing V-22 upgrade contract?
The sole-source contract awarded by the Department of Defense is worth up to $157 million.
What specific components are being upgraded?
The contract funds 10 Nacelle Improvement Kits and three shipsets of Pylon Support Assemblies, which are historically the most maintenance-intensive parts of the aircraft.
When is the upgrade work expected to be completed?
The estimated completion date for this contract is December 2028.
Sources
Photo Credit: US Air Force
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace to Establish F404-IN20 Engine Depot for Indian Air Force
GE Aerospace signs contract with Indian Air Force to set up local depot for F404-IN20 engines, enhancing maintenance and defense sustainment capabilities.
This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.
GE Aerospace has announced a new contracts with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to establish an in-country depot facility for the F404-IN20 engines. These engines are the primary power plant for the IAF’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fleet, a cornerstone of India’s modern aerial defense strategy.
According to the official press release, the new facility aims to significantly bolster India’s indigenous defense sustainment capabilities. By establishing local repair and maintenance operations, the IAF will eliminate its historical reliance on overseas repair centers. This transition is expected to drastically improve turnaround times for engine servicing and fleet readiness.
The agreement marks a major milestone in the four-decade-long partnership between GE Aerospace and the Indian armed forces, highlighting a mutual commitment to localized defense infrastructure and long-term operational support.
Facility Operations and Technical Support
Localizing Maintenance for the Tejas Fleet
The upcoming depot facility will be entirely owned, operated, and maintained by the Indian Air Force. GE Aerospace’s role will focus on providing essential technical inputs, comprehensive training programs, and dedicated support staff to ensure a smooth transition to localized maintenance.
Additionally, the company stated it will supply the necessary spare parts and specialized equipment required to keep the F404-IN20 engines operational. This localized approach ensures that the IAF maintains direct control over its fleet readiness while continuing to benefit from the original equipment manufacturer’s technical expertise.
“Our commitment to supporting India’s armed forces continues to guide our collaboration and partnership in expanding local sustainment capabilities of the Tejas fleet. Through the upcoming depot facility, we will support the availability of the F404-IN20 engines for the Indian Air Force, ensuring they have ready access to cutting-edge technology to power their defense needs.”
— Rita Flaherty, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace
Expanding India’s Aerospace Ecosystem
Educational and Manufacturing Initiatives
Beyond the immediate defense contract, GE Aerospace highlighted its ongoing investments in India’s broader aerospace and engineering sectors. The company noted in its release that 150 engineers have successfully graduated from its local two-year Edison Engineering Development Program, which is designed to cultivate engineering leadership.
Furthermore, over the past ten years, GE has trained more than 5,000 individuals in core manufacturing skills at its Pune factory. Looking toward the future, the GE Aerospace Foundation partnered with United Way in September 2025 to launch “Next Engineers” in Bengaluru. This four-year college and career readiness program is structured to support 4,000 young engineering aspirants.
Broader Military Applications
The F404-IN20 is not the only GE technology utilized by the Indian military. According to the company, its engines also power the Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and MH60R helicopters, as well as the IAF’s AH-64 Apache helicopters. On the naval front, GE’s LM2500 marine gas turbines provide propulsion for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and the P-17 Shivalik Class frigates.
AirPro News analysis
We view this development as a strategic alignment with India’s broader push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing and sustainment. By transitioning from overseas depot maintenance to an in-country model, the Indian Air Force is taking a crucial step toward reducing logistical vulnerabilities and ensuring higher availability rates for its frontline Tejas fighters.
For GE Aerospace, deepening its localized support infrastructure solidifies its position as a foundational partner for India’s military modernization efforts. As global supply chains face increasing pressures, establishing domestic repair depots is becoming a standard requirement for major international defense contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine powers the IAF’s Tejas fleet?
The Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fleet is powered by GE Aerospace’s F404-IN20 engines.
Who will own and operate the new depot facility?
The new depot facility will be owned, operated, and maintained directly by the Indian Air Force. GE Aerospace will provide technical inputs, training, spares, and specialized equipment.
How long has GE Aerospace partnered with the Indian Air Force?
According to the company, the collaboration marks the next step in a four-decade-long partnership between GE Aerospace and the IAF.
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
Textron Aviation Defense Secures $150M Contract for T-6 Texan II Sustainment
Textron Aviation Defense receives a $150 million contract modification to support sustainment of over 700 U.S. military Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft.
This article is based on an official press release from Textron Aviation Defense.
On April 13, 2026, Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., announced the receipt of a five-year U.S. government contracts modification valued at over $150 million. The agreement provides Sustaining Engineering and Program Management (SEPM) services for the U.S. military’s fleet of more than 700 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft.
This contract extends a previous agreement first awarded in 2021, ensuring the continued operational readiness of the primary flight training pipeline for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Army. According to the official press release, the modification covers sustaining and systems engineering, program management, and support for maintenance, repairs, modifications, and structural integrity programs.
Contract Details and Scope
Expanding the Sustainment Ceiling
The specific modification, identified in Department of Defense contract announcements as P00015 to contract FA8106-21-D-0001, is valued at exactly $150,176,268. According to Textron’s announcement, this action more than doubles the cumulative face value ceiling of the SEPM contract, raising it from $240 million to a new maximum of $510 million.
Work will be performed primarily at Textron Aviation Defense facilities in Wichita, Kansas, with an expected completion date of April 12, 2031. Initial funding for the effort includes $11,827,632 in Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds, which were obligated at the time of the award, according to defense contract records.
The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Fleet
Supporting Multiple Military Branches
The SEPM contract covers three specific U.S. military variants of the single-engine turboprop trainer. Introduced in 2001 to replace the aging Cessna T-37B Tweet and T-34C Turbo Mentor, the T-6 has become the backbone of U.S. military flight training.
The T-6A is utilized by the U.S. Air Force and Navy for basic pilot training, featuring a mix of analog and digital avionics. The U.S. Navy also operates the T-6B, an upgraded variant equipped with a fully integrated digital glass cockpit, a Head-Up Display (HUD), and Hands-On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) controls. Finally, the U.S. Army utilizes the T-6D for operational support, testing, and utility roles.
Textron Aviation Defense President and CEO Travis Tyler, who assumed his leadership role in November 2024, emphasized the importance of the platform’s reliability in the company’s official statement.
“Our focus remains on sustaining aircraft availability and supporting our customers as they train the next generation of military pilots,” Tyler stated.
Global Reach and Manufacturing Maturity
International Expansion
While the U.S. military operates over 700 T-6 aircraft, the platform’s global footprint is significantly larger. Industry data indicates that the global fleet exceeds 1,000 units, accumulating more than 5 million flight hours since its introduction. The aircraft is currently utilized by 15 countries and two NATO military flight schools, including the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.
Recent international sales have further expanded this footprint. In late 2024, Textron began delivering a fleet of 12 T-6C aircraft to the Vietnam Air Defense Air Force. Furthermore, in January 2025, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force selected the T-6 to replace its aging Fuji T-7 trainers, according to international defense reporting.
AirPro News analysis
We view this contract extension as a critical indicator of the Department of Defense’s ongoing reliance on the T-6 platform amidst broader pilot pipeline challenges. The U.S. military has faced persistent pilot shortages and training backlogs; maintaining the operational readiness of the 700-plus T-6 fleet is a national security priority, as nearly every Air Force and Navy pilot must pass through this airframe before advancing to fighter, bomber, or transport aircraft.
For Textron Inc., sustainment contracts of this nature provide highly predictable, long-term recurring revenue. The $270 million increase to the contract ceiling underscores the financial stability of mature defense programs. We note that Textron frequently highlights the T-6 production line as operating at a Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) of 10, the highest standard recognized by the DoD, ensuring a fully optimized supply chain for these critical sustainment efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II?
The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is a single-engine turboprop aircraft used primarily as a foundational flight trainer for U.S. and allied military pilots. It is based on the Pilatus PC-9 airframe.
How much is the new Textron contract worth?
The recent modification is valued at over $150 million, which raises the total potential ceiling of the five-year sustainment contract from $240 million to $510 million.
Where will the sustainment work take place?
The engineering and program management work will be performed primarily at Textron Aviation Defense facilities located in Wichita, Kansas.
Sources
Photo Credit: Textron Aviation
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