Argentina has long sought a replacement for the now-retired Dassault Mirage IIIEA and Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) Dagger, and for its fleet of 11 A-4AR Skyhawks, which have readiness problems.
In April 2024, Argentina signed a US$300 million contract for 24 former Danish Air Force F-16s, partly funded by a US Foreign Military Financing grant. The first batch of six were delivered in December 2025, followed by four F-16AMs and two F-16BMs in September this year. Argentina has also invested in a US$398.7 million US DoD contract awarded to Raytheon to sustain future production of AIM-120 AMRAAMs for its F-16 fleet. Argentina also discussed F-16 sensor modernisation with Lockheed Martin in March 2026.
The Argentine Air Force Chief, Gen. Gustavo Javier Valverde, has confirmed plans to acquire two former USAF KC-135R Stratotankers, as the air force’s two KC-130H Hercules tanker aircraft cannot meet the refuelling requirements of its F-16s because of system incompatibility.
Meanwhile, the Argentine Navy has decided to withdraw its Super Étendards from service after failing to return the fleet to operational status. Argentina acquired five former French Navy Super Étendard Modernisés in 2018 under a €14 million agreement that included spares and a simulator. However, it is receiving four surplus Norwegian Orions under an October 2023 contract worth US$ 67 million: three P-3Cs and one P-3N mobile logistics support aircraft, all of which are undergoing an Aircraft Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP) to ensure a 15-year lifespan of approximately 17,000 flight hours.
Argentina has signed a €71.6 million contract to acquire four new Leonardo AW109SP helicopters for its Navy, replacing ageing AS555 Fennecs and deploying them aboard four French-built Bouchard-class offshore patrol vessels. Deliveries are expected later this year, starting with two of the helicopters in an intermediate configuration.
In September, the US Congress approved the possible sale of four UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters, and two additional T700-GE-701D engines to Argentina for US$140 million.
With US President Trump suggesting he is “re-evaluating” the US position on the Falklands, which could imply support for Argentina’s claims and its increased defence spending, the UK may have to bolster its defence of the islands.
by David Oliver
