Through Administrative Decision 252/2024 recently published in the Official Gazette, the Argentine government approved the expense derived from the Contract between the Ministry of Defense and the Procurement and Logistics Organization of the Danish Ministry of Defense for the acquisition of the F Weapon System -16 Fighting Falcon destined for the Argentine Air Force.
As detailed in the Administrative Decision, the aforementioned purchase includes 16 F-16A MLU, 8 F-16B MLU, components and services. The acquisition of the Danish fighters along with their complement will require an investment of USD 301,200,000, an amount that will be settled in five annual installments.
In parallel, Decree 370/2024 of the Ministry of Defense declared Military Secret (in the terms of Decree No. 9390/63) to the contractual operation processed under File No. EX-2024-05198131-APN-DGPPYP#FAA. Although this measure is contemplated by current regulations, as mentioned, the decision is still striking considering that it is a high-profile project and that has received notable dissemination by the government.
Despite what was decreed by the Defense Ministry, it is expected that additional details of the purchase of the F-16A/B MLU Fighting Falcon will be included in the next Report from the Chief of Staff.
It is also expected that in parallel the purchase of the weapons package will advance, which could be announced in the short/medium term. The latter will include air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, as well as additional systems and services.
The incorporation of the F-16 Fighting Falcon will require a considerable investment of resources from the Argentine Air Force, both material and human. From the adaptation of the existing infrastructure in the VI Air Brigade and Río Cuarto Material Area, to providing the necessary training and training to future crews and technical personnel.
Nor can we ignore that the arrival of the F-16 will require a budget readjustment if the intention is to get the most out of the weapons system. This includes resources to operate, maintain and sustain future fighters, avoiding mistakes of the past.
Illustrative cover image. Credits: Forsvaret
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