Argentina Welcomes First F-16 Fighter Jets, Marking Major Air Force Modernization

Historic Arrival in Córdoba

Argentina's air defense capabilities have entered a new era with the arrival of the first six F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon multirole combat aircraft. The jets, acquired from Denmark's surplus stock, landed at Área Material Río Cuarto in Córdoba province on December 5, 2025. This delivery is the initial phase of a broader program that will see a total of 24 operational F-16s integrated into the Argentine Air Force, alongside one non-flying airframe for ground instruction.

The arrival ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Argentine President Javier Milei, Defense Minister Luis Petri, and U.S. Ambassador Peter Lamelas. President Milei hailed the jets as 'guardian angels' that will strengthen the nation's armed forces, while the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires stated the acquisition marks 'a major step in the country's efforts to modernize its air capabilities and deepen defense cooperation with the United States.'

Strategic Acquisition and International Cooperation

The purchase agreement for the 24 F-16s was signed between Argentina and Denmark in April 2024, with the United States approving the transfer of the U.S.-origin aircraft. The deal for the jets from Denmark was valued at approximately $300 million.

Further solidifying defense ties, a separate government-to-government deal with the United States, finalized in December 2024, covers training, logistical support, and a comprehensive weapons package. This package, valued at up to $941 million, includes advanced armaments such as AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles and GBU-12 Paveway II guided bombs. The U.S. also provided $40 million in Foreign Military Financing to assist with the down payment.

Modernizing Argentina's Air Power

The F-16s represent a critical upgrade for the Argentine Air Force, restoring a supersonic interception capability that had been absent since the retirement of its Mirage jets in 2015 (or 2017). The new aircraft will initially operate from Área Material Río Cuarto, which has undergone significant infrastructure upgrades, including runway and hangar renovations. Their permanent base will eventually be the VI Brigada Aérea at Tandil.

The ferry flight of the first six jets from Denmark involved complex logistical coordination. It included technical stops in Zaragoza, Gran Canaria, and Brazil, with aerial refueling support from three U.S. Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. The Argentine Air Force also deployed its Boeing 737 T-99 'Islas Malvinas' and KC-130H Hercules TC-69 for logistical and search-and-rescue functions.

Deliveries of the remaining aircraft are scheduled to continue with six additional jets arriving each December through 2028, completing the fleet of 24 operational F-16s. This acquisition positions Argentina as the third South American nation to operate F-16s, underscoring its commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and enhancing interoperability with international partners.