With the publication of Report No. 140 from the Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers to the Chamber of Deputies, various questions were focused on the process of incorporating the F-16 fighters into the Argentine Air Force, which were acquired from Denmark. Among the questions related to the incorporation schedule and the construction works at the VI Air Brigade in Tandil, one question focused on completing the weapon system through the acquisition of its respective armament. The response indicated that the national government will soon sign the LOA (Letter of Assist) for this aspect of the operation.
In mid-April, the Argentine Republic concluded years of studies and evaluations with the signing of the contract for 24 F-16A/B MLU fighters from Denmark (to which an additional unit will be added for educational and training purposes). The operation, valued at $301 million, was endorsed by the United States government, covering both the provision of the aircraft currently in service with the Royal Danish Air Force and, in subsequent negotiations, the provision of a complete armament package.
This point was one of the issues raised in questions posed by Members of the National Congress, receiving a response from the Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers, Guillermo Francos. Specifically, Question No. 1481 refers to this issue by asking, “Has the LOA for the necessary armament been signed?”
In this regard, the national government confirmed upcoming developments in this material to complete the F-16 weapon system, indicating that: “The signing of the LOA (Letter of Assist) is expected in October/November,” presumably referring to the armament in a future agreement with the United States government.
Unfortunately, various issues concerning the operation, both for the incorporation of the aircraft and their future armament, are covered under military secrecy. However, as previously analyzed by Zona Militar, one of the aspects that led to the choice of the F-16 is the provision of an important armament package including short-range air-to-air missiles from the AIM-9 Sidewinder family, medium-range BVR air-to-air missiles AIM-120 AMRAAM, and guided munitions for conducting strikes and close air support.
Finally, as noted in Report No. 140, the Ministry of Defense and the Argentine Air Force are in the process of incorporating the first example intended for training and ground instruction. This F-16, number 25, will arrive in the country by the end of this year. According to the report presented to legislators, it is anticipated that “… the aircraft will start arriving in Argentina from December 2024 (training aircraft) and the remaining aircraft are expected to arrive in groups of six starting December 2025.” It adds: “The personnel dedicated to the reception, operation, and maintenance of the aircraft are currently undergoing training. The incorporation program includes provisions for sustaining the Weapon System until the end of its useful life.”
*Photographs used for illustration purposes.
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