The Israeli Ministry of Defence has awarded a contract to Elbit Systems to maintain and operate the Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) new trainer Beechcraft T-6 plane.

The T-6 is used by many air forces to train pilots on turbo-prop aircraft, which are considered safer and more cost-effective than jet aircraft.

Elbit will provide services for five years with the option for five more years under the contract.

IAF has received maintenance services for its training aircraft and helicopters from the company since 2002.