In the morning hours of June 4th, the Argentine Aircraft Factory Brigadier San Martín (FAdeA) completed the delivery of two IA-63 Pampa III Block II advanced trainers to the Argentine Air Force (AAF). The ceremony was attended by the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, Brigadier General Xavier Isaac, and the Chief of the General Staff of the AAF, Brigadier Major Fernando Luis Mengo.
According to information provided by the company based in Córdoba, the aircraft in question are the IA-63 Pampa III Block II, registered as A711 and A712, one of which is newly manufactured, and the other modernized at the facilities. These aircraft will be assigned to the X Air Brigade of the Argentine Air Force based in Río Gallegos, Santa Cruz province. Additionally, the delivery of the first set of nationalized pylons was highlighted.
Similar to the previous delivery, recorded during the past year 2023, these aircraft correspond to the multi-year contract formalized in 2021. This contract includes the following works and structures: “… Av 1034 to Av 1039; Conversion of three IA-63 Pampa II to Pampa III Block II; Certification of the Pampa III Block II version, for which the campaign will be carried out with the EX-03 and EX-04; Acquisition and delivery of Planning Stations to the Israeli company Elbit, including one Fixed Mission Planning Station and two Mobile Mission Planning Stations. FAdeA will perform the certification; And the acquisition of 35% of materials for the manufacture of three IA-63 Pampa III Block II”.
Additionally, one of the photographs released by FAdeA shows the presence of the Hércules KC-130H TC-69, which has begun its first functional and verification flights after completing its works included in the “… PDM/Isocronic inspection and painting works on the aircraft at a first point. On the other hand, and as a central axis, the contract aims to improve the capabilities of the aircraft with an upgrade of its propulsion plants, as well as improving major and minor components…”
*Photographs: Argentine Aircraft Factory Brigadier San Martín (FAdeA).
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