Moments ago, the United States government authorized the potential sale of the Basler BT-67 system to the Argentine Armed Forces for operations in Antarctica, although without specifying quantities. This is evident from documentation issued today by the Department of State notifying the US Congress of this operation through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
According to information provided by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Argentine government requested from the United States the purchase of the Basler BT-67 system along with associated elements for a total of USD 143 million. The package for this aircraft intended for Antarctic operations includes support equipment, technical documentation, and training courses for personnel. However, the statement does not specify whether it involves one or more aircraft, nor the equipment package that has been authorized.
The State Department has indicated that the potential sale of this BT-67 aircraft “…will enhance Argentina’s ability to address current and future threats by providing additional capability for air mobility operations to service Antarctica during the winter season. This will reduce the burden on other air transport assets in Argentina. Argentina will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”
The interest in Basler BT-67 aircraft for operations in the Antarctic continent was confirmed in 2023 by the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, being a project continued by the current military leadership. Originally, the project involved the acquisition of five units, which could suggest that the potential incorporation of this first unit may be part of a larger purchase, always mindful of the availability of resources and budget of the Armed Forces.
As previously noted by Zona Militar, “the BT-67 is a modification and modernization of the veteran DC-3, which has shown great adaptability to operate in adverse conditions, both terrain and weather-related. It is currently widely used by various operators in the Antarctic territory.”
Adding: “Considerations about the BT-67 were also made because the aircraft has capabilities to adapt as a multipurpose platform, whether for search and rescue, firefighting, among others. The transport capacity was also valued, which is superior to the means historically deployed in Antarctica for liaison flights, transport, etc.”
In response to this, as is the case with this type of operation and authorization, it must be approved by the US Congress, and subsequently, the Argentine government will proceed with the signing of contracts with the company awarded this contract by the Department of State. In more detail, Basler Turbo Conversions.
*Developing story.
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