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]

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.

Colombia also seems to be heading towards a three-way race between the Tejas, F-16, and Gripen. Of those, the Tejas has a low chance, but we shall see how things go.

 

[Anant]

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

They are getting these for free now. Make no mistake, once the war ends, Ukraine will paying off this entire war debt for the next couple of decades.

 

[Anant]

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

They don't have any other affordable options. These F-16s can be kept around for another 20 years or so. Tell me another nation who was offering them new aircraft at a similar price point.

 

[sunilanalysis]

makes sense, given F16s are proven war machines...
Tejas is Indian hype, JF17 is pak/china hype.

 

[Deepak Hegde]

US will do so for every export market where Tejas will be targeted. They will never allow their export market to be endangered by Tejas. They will not even hesitate to sell at a loss so as to not allow Tejas to establish itself in the export market.

 

[kumar]

They sold 2nd hand fighters. If it is a new one, they can never compete at these prices. Anyways, LM can milk them in other areas.

 

[Rajsn]

HAL can't deliver Athome ....
So NO other country will ever trust HAL.
Only some African country might buy a few, if GOI is bankrolling it.
Just to say we Export !!!

 

[Shafted mohammed]

HAL can't deliver Athome ....
So NO other country will ever trust HAL.
Only some African country might buy a few, if GOI is bankrolling it.
Just to say we Export !!!

The fact is the day they start delivering 24 planes per year than other countries can believe that they can buy this platform. The first of the 83 is yet to be fully painted and delivered.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

They are getting these for free now. Make no mistake, once the war ends, Ukraine will paying off this entire war debt for the next couple of decades.

land in ukraine already being sold off. You can read about it online. American billionaires and hedge funds are buying the land. This "land reform" was one of the conditions for IMF loans. I heard a famous commodity investor say that ukrainian land is the best investment opportunity in the world right now. Throughout history, after large wars, land appreciates in value very much and those who can get it for cheap during or before war, make huge amounts of money.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

HAL would come out of fantasies and focus more on IAF needs.

More likely, they will come out of fantasies and go back to the Canteen.

Work commitment is not a word in HAL's employee manual.

 

[Avada kedavra]

HALs shameless run continues.
No one wants to buy it's stuff. It's indefinite delays over everything.

 

[amerjit johal]

Tejas was NEVER a strong contender
It was always going to be used F16’s
This is a problem that Tejas will face all the time

 

[amerjit johal]

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.

Bro let’s be realistic
Tejas is not going to be bought by anyone
When there are other viable options available

 

[beencensured]

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

I agree on only part the Israeli radar choice put Tejas mk1a development delay by a year. But Bstards in MOD and IAF failed to order Tejas FOC which could have been later updated to higher standards. This is not the fault of HAL manufacturing but near sightedness of IAF and MOD.

Further I will state Tejas navy would have been more better then Rafale as it is not meant for STOBAR operations. It in fact is worse choice then mig-29k. People who do not know Tejas navy was planned earlier to be a bigger aircraft with Ge 414 engine that would have lifted a much higher payload and would have been comparable to Tejas mk2 in features. Rafale m is a six-billion-dollar waste that would be more beneficial for Airforce then NAVY as it can lift only 3.5 ton payload.

 

[desigandu]

In my opinion HAL (till we operationalize and mass produce Tejas-Mk2s) forget about exports and try and solve the bottlenecks for IAF...Once we have these in place we can relook at exports of Tejas-Mk1As/2s etc..., else it is a distraction...Also Kaveri-2 and new 130KN engine needs to become final and operational...Of course exports can provide scale, but till we have solved our supply chain, capacity etc it is a waste of energy.

 

[beencensured]

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.

F-16 do not have a great record.

 

[amerjit johal]

Called it long time ago

So did I
Tejas was never a contender
Argie top brass only came for the samosas and chai

 

[amerjit johal]

F-16 do not have a great record.

Considering the numbers manufactured / lakhs of flying hours
Years in service with so many Air Forces
They have a superb record

 

[beencensured]

makes sense, given F16s are proven war machines...
Tejas is Indian hype, JF17 is pak/china hype.

Nope till Tejas is inducted in numbers, and IAF and NAVY give up their foreign aircrafts dreams then why would ANY BUY Something of yours when you only have faith in foreign junk. This recent accident of Tejas seems to be sabotage and show ge engines are flawed.

 

[beencensured]

Considering the numbers manufactured / lakhs of flying hours
Years in service with so many Air Forces
They have a superb record

They fall out of the sky all the time, but USA has faith in their stuff and promotes it.