American defense manufacturer Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) was awarded a contract to provide the T-6A trainer aircraft to the Israeli Air Force, Aero News reported. The T-6 provides instruction in instrument flight procedures and basic aerial maneuvers. The company’s first foreign military sales contract, the award came directly from the United States Government as a part of a government-to-government agreement between Israel and the U.S.
"Hawker Beechcraft offers the most sophisticated military training programs and operations, and the inherent training and flying capabilities of the T-6A Texan II make it the most successful primary trainer in the world,” said HBC president Jim Maslowski. The contract also includes ground based training systems and technical publications. Israel’s Defense Ministry will work directly with HBC for post-delivery programs, engineering support and post-delivery modifications.