The eighth and final Beechcraft T-6C Texan II turboprop trainer on order for Tunisia has been delivered to the Tunisian Air Force’s No 13 Squadron at Sfax Air base, the aircraft’s manufacturer, Textron Aviation Defense, announced on 10 August 2023.
The US Department of State approved a potential USD 234 M (EUR 212.6 M) Foreign Military Sale to Tunisia of 12 T-6Cs plus related equipment in 2019, after which Tunisia decided in 2021 to buy eight with an option for an additional four.
The Beechcraft T-6C Texan II Integrated Training System for the Tunisian Air Force at Sfax Air Base will also include a ground-based training system, an operational flight trainer and a computer-based training lab.
Speaking at a 17 July 2023 event marking the arrival of the first four T-6C aircraft, US Ambassador to Tunisia Joey R Hood stated, “Tunisia plays an important role in ensuring not only its own national security but also that of northern Africa and the continent as a whole.” He reiterated the US commitment to supporting Tunisia’s efforts to strengthen its air force’s capacity to respond both to security and humanitarian needs.
No 13 Squadron currently operates 17 SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 piston-engine-powered basic trainers, while Tunisia’s jet trainer fleet consists of nine Aero L-59Ts. The T-6Cs are expected to replace both these types.
The T-6Cs will also serve as lead-in trainers for the four Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine light attack aircraft Tunisia has on order, the sale of which was approved in February 2020. The T-6C and AT-6 share an 85% commonality in structure, avionics, and other systems.
Peter Felstead