Iraq - T-6A Texan Aircraft

(Washington, December 10, 2008) -- On Dec. 9, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of 20 T-6A Texan aircraft, 20 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $210 million.

The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of 20 T-6A Texan aircraft, 20 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) with CMA-4124 GNSSA card and Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation System (INS) spares, ferry maintenance, tanker support, aircraft ferry services, site survey, unit level trainer, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $210 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country. This proposed sale directly supports the Iraq government and serves the interests of the Iraq people and the U.S., as well as offering hope for a more stable and peaceful Middle East.

The Iraq Air Force's (IAF) current trainer fleet consists of Cessna 172 Skyhawks and Cessna 208B Caravans. The IAF needs to supplement or replace its current trainer fleet with these new aircraft to modernize its air force and to facilitate its transition to the AT-6 light-attack aircraft.

Source : US Defense Security Cooperation Agency