Argentinian Defense Minister Signs Deal for 24 Ex-Danish F-16 Fighters, Unveils First Aircraft

Argentina has bolstered its air defense capabilities with the purchase of 24 ex-Danish F-16A/B Fighting Falcon multi-role fighters. The deal, officially signed by Argentinian Minister of Defense Luis Petri, marks a significant modernization for the nation's air force.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1780220735014731933

The acquisition follows a period where Argentina considered other aircraft, including the Indian LCA Tejas and the Chinese JF-17. Ultimately, the ex-Danish F-16s proved the most attractive option due to their significantly lower cost – reportedly less than $24 million per aircraft.

During the signing ceremony, the first Argentinian F-16 was unveiled, symbolizing the integration of these fighters into the country's air defense. The deal also includes advanced weaponry, such as AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-120D AMRAAM missiles, greatly increasing the Air Force's combat capabilities.

The addition of these well-equipped F-16s represents a strategic upgrade for Argentina's airpower. This move underlines Argentina's commitment to strengthening its military and ensuring its national defense.

 

[PARTHAJIT JANA]

I will say this with a little pinch of salt, mk1a has very little chance of export, rather mk2 with its sensors, indigenisation if proves its mettles on time it will have more export potential. We need to indigenise the radome, refuelling probes, helmets,g suits and later the ejection seats to truely unleash its potentials.

 

[Pramkumar]

Until India makes a 95% indigenous aircraft including the engine exports of fighters is dream only

 

[Shafted mohammed]

I would gift them a single Tejas Mk1A fighter so they can appreciate the day and nigh difference in technology.

 

[Bobby Singh]

I would gift them a single Tejas Mk1A fighter so they can appreciate the day and nigh difference in technology.

you mean, give them $50 millions as gift???

 

[Shafted mohammed]

I would gift them a single Tejas Mk1A fighter so they can appreciate the day and nigh difference in technology.

Bro, Tejas Mk1A is not a "Milton ka thermos" that you can gift and then forget about.

Will HAL be able to service that ONE plane gifted to Argentine effectively, over the service life of the plane?

 

[CCPSmasher]

Good decision. MK1 is a showpiece. We need MK1A sooner else there'll be no export market.

 

[Shrujanam Syama]

No one will buy planes without political clout. It is not just about equipment but about the political clout and influence of the host country that matters. This is also why few countries buy Russian or Chinese weapons. USA will threaten those countries with sanctions or other retaliatory measures

 

[sid]

Only IAF and PAF are forced to use substandard equipment. One because it is saddled with unrealistic national goals and other because it has no money. Rest will not buy thrash

 

[sid]

I would gift them a single Tejas Mk1A fighter so they can appreciate the day and nigh difference in technology.

They will not take if given free

 

[NARESH]

I will say this with a little pinch of salt, mk1a has very little chance of export, rather mk2 with its sensors, indigenisation if proves its mettles on time it will have more export potential. We need to indigenise the radome, refuelling probes, helmets,g suits and later the ejection seats to truely unleash its potentials.

Most importantly the weapon package.

 

[Sangram]

America and Europe will not let buy them from Asia American is most harami country in the world.

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

I will say this with a little pinch of salt, mk1a has very little chance of export, rather mk2 with its sensors, indigenisation if proves its mettles on time it will have more export potential. We need to indigenise the radome, refuelling probes, helmets,g suits and later the ejection seats to truely unleash its potentials.

The thing is Everyone who wants light combat jet in Africa has low budget so Jf-17 becomes a perfect choice .

Tejas Mk1A is the best jet in its category but no-one wants best they want a medium quality jet who can perform basic missions and provide air & ground support.

Europian countries will always buy western jet be it Used F-16s / griphen if they don't have that budget FA-50 becomes a automatic pick due to its operational life and price

South asian countries are inclined towards China due to their loan support and others are either getting used F-16s..

Mk1A has gone to full scale production this year and any country will hesitate to buy a brand new 1st jet of India or any other country..

We have a long way to go maybe after 5 years we will get much better interest from the customers around the globe

 

[Akshat]

America and Europe will not let buy them from Asia American is most harami country in the world.

Europe itself is buying from Asia. Even US is. Don’t blame others for our own shortcomings.

 

[Akshat]

No one will buy planes without political clout. It is not just about equipment but about the political clout and influence of the host country that matters. This is also why few countries buy Russian or Chinese weapons. USA will threaten those countries with sanctions or other retaliatory measures

Till before the war, Russia was the second largest arms exporter. It’s at number 3 even now. South Korea surely doesn’t have half as much clout as China does yet is gaining ground. So don’t make excuses for our own shortcomings,

 

[Akshat]

Until India makes a 95% indigenous aircraft including the engine exports of fighters is dream only

So South Korea, China and Sweden can do it but not us?

 

[kumar]

They will not take if given free

Yes, thanks for the enlightenment.

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Only IAF and PAF are forced to use substandard equipment. One because it is saddled with unrealistic national goals and other because it has no money. Rest will not buy thrash

First, learn the difference betwewen thrash and trash !

 

[Pink Panther]

I will say this with a little pinch of salt, mk1a has very little chance of export, rather mk2 with its sensors, indigenisation if proves its mettles on time it will have more export potential. We need to indigenise the radome, refuelling probes, helmets,g suits and later the ejection seats to truely unleash its potentials.

They should forget about Falklands for ever.