Israel Expected To Choose T-6A Texan as Basic Trainer

Israel has requested the possible sale of 25 Hawker Beechcraft T-6A Texan II basic pilot training aircraft. The Israeli Air Force is the last user of the French Fouga Magister basic jet trainer, which dates from the early 1960s. These aircraft have high fuel and maintenance costs and poor serviceability. If Israel takes all the requested options, the order could cost $190 million. But because this will be a foreign military sale, Israel could have at least part of the cost offset by U.S. military aid programs.