After signing the letter of intent with his Danish counterpart, Troels Lund Poulsen, the Argentine Defense Minister Luis Petri affirmed that the ministry aims to finalize the purchase of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets in the coming months, marking the signing of an acquisition contract with the Danish government. This will formalize the incorporation of 24 multi-role fighters into the Argentine Air Force.
During a press conference held yesterday during maritime control operations in the Exclusive Economic Zone, Minister Petri was asked about some of the most recent acquisition projects, including the Norwegian P-3 Orion and the Danish F-16A/B MLU. “…The meeting with Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen was about advancing, taking one step further, in relation to the acquisition of the F-16 aircraft. We signed a letter of intent, we are making good progress…” Petri stated.
Expanding on the formal process initiated a few days ago, the Minister detailed that “…The final contract has not yet been signed, but we are in discussions. We have taken an initial step and plan to progress in the coming months…”, without providing further details on the date and location of the document signing that will seal the acquisition of the Danish F-16A/B MLU.
As detailed by Zona Militar, negotiations between Argentina and Denmark have matured in recent months, a process that has always had the approval of the United States. This approval not only considered the American-origin fighters but was also complemented by financial assistance from Washington, as well as an enhanced proposal regarding the armament package.
It is worth noting that the United States authorized the transfer of six F-16 Block 10 and 32 F-16 Block 15 aircraft from the Royal Danish Air Force in the middle of last year, a process valued at USD 338,695,634. With the progress of negotiations, it was revealed that the Argentine Air Force would be willing to incorporate 24 additional F-16A/B MLU along with an additional aircraft for training. The package from Denmark includes all the materials and tools for the maintenance of the fighters, as well as complementary equipment.
Simultaneously, negotiations for armaments also progressed, a critical point for the Argentine Air Force as it established it as a central requirement when incorporating a multi-role fighter. According to information previously provided by Zona Militar, the offered package includes AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, AIM-120 AMRAAM, JDAM guided bombs, among others.
The potential arrival of the F-16 Fighting Falcon will also require the Argentine Air Force to make necessary investments in infrastructure, a project planned for the VI Air Brigade in Tandil as well as for the RÃo Cuarto Material Area.
During the press conference, Minister Petri concluded that “…It is absolutely essential for the Air Force to regain its supersonic capability. There is great joy in the Force because this will enable the control of airspace and the safeguarding of sovereignty…”.
Cover image: Luftforsvaret.
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