The State Department recently approved a $300 million deal to send T-6C Texans to Argentina to help bolster the training for that country’s air force. The deal comes shortly after Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James visited South America, where allies there pressed her for easier and faster foreign military sales. Argentina requested 24 T-6s, along with spare engines, initial spare parts, and other support, including Air Force Materiel Command Services and travel, according to a State Department release. The department notified Congress of the sale on July 29. “The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally,” the release states.
Air Force Hurricane Hunters have just 10 aging WC-130Js to fly an increasing number of missions gathering life-saving data for decision-makers before a storm.