Argentine Upgrades Air Defense Capabilities With Delivery of First Former Danish F-16 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft
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On December 4, 2024, Argentine took a step in modernizing its air defense with the arrival of its first F-16 fighter jet, transported from Denmark aboard a C-130 Hercules of the Argentine Air Force (FAA). This F-16B, a two-seater aircraft version, will not take to the skies, as it is reserved for ground training. It will be stationed at the VI Air Brigade in Tandil.
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The arrival of the first Argentine F-16 fighter jet, transported from Denmark aboard a C-130 Hercules. (Picture source: Argentine MoD)
This delivery marks the beginning of the implementation of the agreement signed in April 2024 between Argentina and Denmark for the acquisition of 24 second-hand F-16A/B Modernized Upgraded (MLU) fighters. This deal is further complemented by U.S. support, which approved in October 2024 a $941 million package that includes spare parts, engines, and a range of armaments to equip the fleet.
Since retiring its last Dassault Mirage III fighters in 2015, Argentina has been without supersonic fighters. Its airspace is monitored by subsonic A-4R Fightinghawk jets, which are limited in interception and air superiority capabilities. The arrival of the F-16s therefore represents a major advancement in rebuilding the country’s combat aviation after nearly a decade of reliance on outdated equipment.
The transfer operations for the aircraft began with loading F-16B components, including an engine, at Aalborg Airport in Denmark. The first C-130 Hercules, registered as TC-66, departed for Argentina on December 4. A second aircraft is scheduled to transport the remaining parts. The official introduction of this first F-16 is expected in early 2025, accompanied by a ceremony symbolizing the revitalization of Argentina’s military capabilities.
The choice of the F-16 is based on its proven reliability and versatility in various operational contexts. Introducing this modernized fleet will enable the FAA to reestablish its air superiority capabilities while bolstering national sovereignty in the face of regional geopolitical challenges.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole fighter jet originally designed by General Dynamics, now integrated into Lockheed Martin. Entering service in 1978, this aircraft embodies versatility, combining agility, power, and intervention capabilities across various missions. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofan engine, it delivers a maximum thrust of 130 kN with an afterburner, allowing it to reach a top speed of Mach 2, equivalent to 2,173 km/h. This propulsion system also grants it an impressive climb rate of 15,240 meters per minute, cementing its position as one of the most capable supersonic fighters of its generation.
The F-16 is designed to excel in various missions, from air interception to precision bombing. Its internal armament includes a 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon, while its external weaponry is equally formidable: air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-7 Sparrow, Sidewinder, or AMRAAM, air-to-ground missiles like the Maverick, and various laser- or GPS-guided bombs, including JDAMs. With a payload capacity of up to 12,000 kg, it can meet the demands of highly diverse operational theaters.
In terms of dimensions, the F-16 has a wingspan of 9.8 meters, a length of 14.8 meters, and a height of 4.8 meters, with a wing area of 27.87 m². These proportions, combined with an empty weight of 8,272 kg and a maximum weight of 16,900 kg, give it exceptional maneuverability, further enhanced by a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.90.
The F-16’s avionics are one of its key strengths, incorporating advanced technologies such as fly-by-wire controls, a heads-up display (HUD), HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) systems, and multiple generations of radars, including the active electronically scanned array (AESA) AN/APG-83. These systems allow it to detect and engage targets with high precision while benefiting from the protection provided by electronic warfare pods like the AN/ALQ-131.
The F-16 has been produced in impressive numbers, with over 4,500 units built to date, and remains in service with numerous air forces worldwide. Its longevity and multiple technological updates testify to its adaptability and key role in modern air defense. With an operational range of 550 kilometers and a service ceiling of 15,200 meters, this aircraft continues to play a crucial role in securing airspace and performing air superiority and ground strike missions.
The delivery of these aircraft marks the beginning of a new era for the country’s air force while opening up prospects for increased cooperation with international partners such as the United States and Europe.
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On December 4, 2024, Argentine took a step in modernizing its air defense with the arrival of its first F-16 fighter jet, transported from Denmark aboard a C-130 Hercules of the Argentine Air Force (FAA). This F-16B, a two-seater aircraft version, will not take to the skies, as it is reserved for ground training. It will be stationed at the VI Air Brigade in Tandil.
The arrival of the first Argentine F-16 fighter jet, transported from Denmark aboard a C-130 Hercules. (Picture source: Argentine MoD)
This delivery marks the beginning of the implementation of the agreement signed in April 2024 between Argentina and Denmark for the acquisition of 24 second-hand F-16A/B Modernized Upgraded (MLU) fighters. This deal is further complemented by U.S. support, which approved in October 2024 a $941 million package that includes spare parts, engines, and a range of armaments to equip the fleet.
Since retiring its last Dassault Mirage III fighters in 2015, Argentina has been without supersonic fighters. Its airspace is monitored by subsonic A-4R Fightinghawk jets, which are limited in interception and air superiority capabilities. The arrival of the F-16s therefore represents a major advancement in rebuilding the country’s combat aviation after nearly a decade of reliance on outdated equipment.
The transfer operations for the aircraft began with loading F-16B components, including an engine, at Aalborg Airport in Denmark. The first C-130 Hercules, registered as TC-66, departed for Argentina on December 4. A second aircraft is scheduled to transport the remaining parts. The official introduction of this first F-16 is expected in early 2025, accompanied by a ceremony symbolizing the revitalization of Argentina’s military capabilities.
The choice of the F-16 is based on its proven reliability and versatility in various operational contexts. Introducing this modernized fleet will enable the FAA to reestablish its air superiority capabilities while bolstering national sovereignty in the face of regional geopolitical challenges.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole fighter jet originally designed by General Dynamics, now integrated into Lockheed Martin. Entering service in 1978, this aircraft embodies versatility, combining agility, power, and intervention capabilities across various missions. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofan engine, it delivers a maximum thrust of 130 kN with an afterburner, allowing it to reach a top speed of Mach 2, equivalent to 2,173 km/h. This propulsion system also grants it an impressive climb rate of 15,240 meters per minute, cementing its position as one of the most capable supersonic fighters of its generation.
The F-16 is designed to excel in various missions, from air interception to precision bombing. Its internal armament includes a 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon, while its external weaponry is equally formidable: air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-7 Sparrow, Sidewinder, or AMRAAM, air-to-ground missiles like the Maverick, and various laser- or GPS-guided bombs, including JDAMs. With a payload capacity of up to 12,000 kg, it can meet the demands of highly diverse operational theaters.
In terms of dimensions, the F-16 has a wingspan of 9.8 meters, a length of 14.8 meters, and a height of 4.8 meters, with a wing area of 27.87 m². These proportions, combined with an empty weight of 8,272 kg and a maximum weight of 16,900 kg, give it exceptional maneuverability, further enhanced by a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.90.
The F-16’s avionics are one of its key strengths, incorporating advanced technologies such as fly-by-wire controls, a heads-up display (HUD), HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) systems, and multiple generations of radars, including the active electronically scanned array (AESA) AN/APG-83. These systems allow it to detect and engage targets with high precision while benefiting from the protection provided by electronic warfare pods like the AN/ALQ-131.
The F-16 has been produced in impressive numbers, with over 4,500 units built to date, and remains in service with numerous air forces worldwide. Its longevity and multiple technological updates testify to its adaptability and key role in modern air defense. With an operational range of 550 kilometers and a service ceiling of 15,200 meters, this aircraft continues to play a crucial role in securing airspace and performing air superiority and ground strike missions.
The delivery of these aircraft marks the beginning of a new era for the country’s air force while opening up prospects for increased cooperation with international partners such as the United States and Europe.
