Colombian Air Force selects T-6C Texan II trainer aircraft

The choice does not excite some FAC officers.

Colombian Air Force selects T-6C Texan II trainer aircraft.

The Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Colombiana - FAC) has announced the acquisition of the Beechcraft (Textron Aviation) T-6C Texan II to renew and modernize its trainer fleet. The deal includes 8 aircraft and an option for an additional 8.

According to the FAC, the first 8 T-6Cs will be delivered in March 2021 to replace the old Cessna T-37B “Tweet” in the "Marco Fidel Suárez" military flight school.

The Texan II had already been offered to Colombia in 2012, but this option was rejected by previous FAC commanders because it was deemed inadequate to the needs of the armed forces. However, the version previously proposed by Beechcraft was the one for the light attack role (AT-6B) and not for training.

Local media AeroFermo said the announcement of the T-6C deal by the current Colombian Air Force (COFAC) commander sparked discontent among senior FAC officers, as they believe the aircraft does not provide the armed force with more deterrence (now very urgent), nor is it strategically convenient. They also say that this acquisition leaves other major projects without political and budgetary support, such as the introduction of a LIFT aircraft and new fighter jets.

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Written by Matteo Sanzani