Argentina Selects ex-Danish F-16s over India's Tejas and China's JF-17

Buenos Aires, Argentina – In a significant move to bolster its air defence capabilities, Argentina has chosen to purchase 24 ex-Danish F-16A/B MLU fighter jets. The $650 million USD deal marks a preference for the proven F-16 platform over offers for India's LCA-Tejas and China's JF-17 Thunder.

The decision highlights the critical role of both cost-effectiveness and reputation in major defence procurements. Argentina secures a substantial upgrade to its aging fighter fleet at a markedly lower price point.

While the Tejas and JF-17 represent capable modern aircraft, the F-16's combat history and widespread use offer Argentina a familiar and well-regarded platform.

The significantly lower price was a primary factor. At approximately $14 million per unit, the ex-Danish F-16s offered substantial savings compared to the new-build Tejas and JF-17 fighters.

In addition to the aircraft, the $650 million package includes a comprehensive arms suite worth $312 million, likely featuring advanced air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM.

Industry analysts suggest that the choice of the F-16 platform may also signal closer ties between the United States and Argentina. The F-16, a staple of the US Air Force and numerous allies, provides a degree of interoperability and offers ease of maintenance due to its widespread use.

While India and China continue to make strides in the defence export market, this decision demonstrates the enduring appeal of established Western platforms like the F-16.

The combination of price, reputation, and potential for cooperation with NATO countries likely made the ex-Danish F-16s the most compelling offer for Argentina.

 

[Anant]

Good for them. Seriously. If the Argentine Air Force can utilise these jets well for the next 20 years or so, this is an excellent solution for them on a tight budget.

 

[Pink Panther]

Absolutely not surprised, Good for them, All HAL’s dream’s won’t come true.

 

[sanket]

Ukraine should have Ink this Cheap Deal, Lost a opportunity. Damn Cheap.

 

[Adil]

Ukraine should have Ink this Cheap Deal, Lost a opportunity. Damn Cheap.

where would they go for money.

 

[iambatman]

Absolutely not surprised, Good for them, All HAL’s dream’s won’t come true.

when you can't deliver, you shouldn't dream.

 

[sanket]

Absolutely not surprised, Good for them, All HAL’s dream’s won’t come true.

14Mn$ is it possible for even Junk -17 to deliver at this price.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Ukraine should have Ink this Cheap Deal, Lost a opportunity. Damn Cheap.

Ukraine is getting them for free. Why would they sign deals when they can get it for free

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Called it long time ago

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Absolutely not surprised, Good for them, All HAL’s dream’s won’t come true.

There are other south american and central american countries that can be targeted since america wont let them buy chinese jets.

 

[sanket]

Ukraine is getting them for free. Why would they sign deals when they can get it for free

They are Getting Aid too they should have demended this F-16 to US /Nato.this is Good No 24 means One Sqad.

 

[Kira]

No doubt with cost and reputational considerations,besides the recent election of a Right wing Pro US president was also a factor in their decision.

 

[Pink Panther]

There are other south american and central american countries that can be targeted since america wont let them buy chinese jets.

The countries that could afford are buying either F16 or Gripen already.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

The countries that could afford are buying either F16 or Gripen already.

India did sell to ecuador, but HAL screwed up there big time. India is selling aircraft to guyana over there. Similarly, we can target other countries. Countries like columbia dont like america, maybe they can go for india.

 

[Pink Panther]

14Mn$ is it possible for even Junk -17 to deliver at this price.

This is like killing two birds with one stone, keeping Argentina under the and not providing powerful enough tools to fight UK.

 

[Mithu Roy]

Argentines are fools.they are buying second hand aircraft which will have another 10 to 15 years of life left.
After purchase Lockheed will squeeze their balls to extract their pound of flesh

 

[Ashutosh]

Well the newly elected president would have some influence alright.!
Thank God! HAL would come out of fantasies and focus more on IAF needs.

 

[Vijesh]

India did sell to ecuador, but HAL screwed up there big time. India is selling aircraft to guyana over there. Similarly, we can target other countries. Countries like columbia dont like america, maybe they can go for india.

Columbia is talking to US and Sweden right now, they originally talked with France for buying Rafale but after hearing the price they got scared and backed off, according to the latest news, it looks like they might tilt towards F16.

 

[Sudha]

Whatever hallucination HAL might have, only Tejas mk2 will be a serious contender. No harm in trying though. If HAL is wise it will first satisfy its sole customer, IAF instead of running behind export orders. Only timely delivery will bring in more confidence to foreign customers.

 

[Anant]

14Mn$ is it possible for even Junk -17 to deliver at this price.

No, the aircraft are quite possibly being subsidised by the Americans to keep China out. Moreover, the airframes, although refurbished, will still be old ones. Regardless, the Argentine Air Force should be able to use them for the next 20 years or so.