Framed within the VI Air Brigade in Tandil, the Argentine Air Force (FAA) presented the first F-16 fighter jet acquired from Denmark to officials from the Ministry of Defense. The aircraft, transported to the country aboard two K/C-130H aircraft of the institution, was unveiled to the head of the National Defense Ministry, Luis Petri, and military authorities led by the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, Brigadier General Xavier Isaac.
As previously reported, the FAA had been preparing for weeks to begin the transfer of the first F-16 acquired from Denmark. This two-seater example, an F-16B Block 10 officially designated as aircraft number 25, is intended for ground instruction to train new pilots and crews at the new Training Center currently under construction at the VI Air Brigade.
This F-16, which is not airworthy, was displayed disassembled in Hangar No. 3 of the VI Air Brigade alongside other components, including the engine and the set of wings.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Defense detailed some of the tasks that will form part of the training process for Air Force personnel to incorporate the new weapons system. Specifically, they indicated that these tasks include: “…scheduled inspections, work cards, configuration of weaponry and launch systems, handling of the new logistics software, engine replacement, removal of the canopy and ejection seats, inspection and adjustment of the fuel and hydraulic systems, as well as familiarization with the electrical and avionics systems, among others, thereby introducing personnel to a new culture and philosophy of work.”
Additionally, regarding further details about the F-16B Block 10, it was stated that the aircraft “…underwent inspection, refurbishment, and painting processes at the workshops of the Defense Maintenance Service (FVT) at Aalborg Air Base.”
Finally, as noted, the next steps include assembling the aircraft with the assistance of personnel from the Royal Danish Air Force, in preparation for its official unveiling in the coming weeks.
Photographs: Ministry of Defense of the Argentine Republic.
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