The ongoing delays associated with the US F-35 "Joint Strike Fighter" and dwindling numbers of airworthy A-10 combat aircraft has the US looking at a major procurement of lightly armored turboprop aircraft to fill their close air support role (archived). Options being considered include the Brazilian Embraer A-29 Super Tucano and the Beechcraft AT-6B trainer. This move represents a step towards bringing the US aircraft fleet closer in capability to American regional powers Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil.