Argentina and the United States have taken a new step in their joint defense agenda with a meeting between Minister Luis Petri and Ambassador Marc Stanley, which took place yesterday. Although official details about the topics discussed were not provided, some of the issues addressed may have been related to acquisition projects and the strengthening of military relations between the two countries.
With a clear pro-U.S. stance, the current administration will likely seek to secure the incorporation of materials that have been under negotiation, initiate new plans, and reposition itself in various initiatives that Washington has been implementing in the region. These initiatives range from joint exercises to personnel exchanges, education programs, training, and more.
It is worth remembering that one of the main projects under discussion in recent months is the purchase of F-16 A/B MLU aircraft offered by Denmark. The sale of these aircraft has already received approval from the U.S. and awaits a decision from the Argentine government. The latest information from Zona Militar suggests that the current administration aims to finalize the purchase of the danish Fighting Falcons during the first half of the current year.
If an agreement is reached, it should not only cover the aircraft but also include the respective logistical package, weaponry, training, and the necessary investment to prepare the infrastructure of the Argentine Air Force to operate and maintain the F-16 A/B MLU.
Another point possibly discussed is the purchase of P-3C/N Orion maritime patrol aircraft, the acquisition of which was agreed with Norway in mid-October 2023. However, the arrival of the first unit to the country was delayed due to issues with the initial payment, putting Argentina in an embarrassing position as personnel from the Naval Aviation had already been dispatched to the U.S. to initiate the transfer of the first Orion. The situation was resolved on December 21 with the disbursement of the first payment.
Washington is also trying to revive the proposal for the M1126 Stryker for the Wheeled Armored Combat Vehicle (VCBR) project of the Argentine Army. Sources related to the initiative confirmed to Zona Militar a few days ago that the U.S. is again promoting the offer of the 8×8 armored vehicle, taking advantage of the maneuvering space left by Brazil’s reluctance to provide financing facilities and the strategic approach proposed by President Milei.
The military connection with the U.S. may not be limited to the purchase of weaponry and materials but could also extend to various activities organized by the Southern Command. Throughout 2023, armed forces from the region and the U.S. conducted numerous joint exercises, both bilateral and multinational, activities in which Argentina either did not participate or had a very limited presence.
Closer ties with Washington could lead to increased participation of the Argentine Armed Forces in multinational exercises, as well as the reimplementation of some bilateral initiatives, such as combined training, personnel exchanges, capacity building, academic training, among others.
Cover image: Ministry of Defense
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