Argentina Air Force News and Discussion
- Thread starter RobWilliams
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They got approval / no objections from the US on the possible transfer of ex-Danish F-16s (Blk 10/15). But whether they have the funds (USD 338 million) is not clear, since the budget documents in 2024 suggest no such budget exist.
The Argentinian Defense Ministry is presenting a fait accompli to the civilian government that "hey, the US has approved this, if you don't pony up the cash, it will make us look bad" situation.
I'm definitely thinking that buying a jet trainer brand new would have been a better idea. Any Danish or Netherlands F16's would be on their dog-ends - fine for transfer to Ukraine, where attrition is likely within a few months but as a working core for an air force like Argentina ? I hope they buy plenty of spares with the package.
Sandhi Yudha
Well-Known Member
Choosing trainers like L39NG or T-50 is indeed a much better idea, but Argentina just has the bad luck that most Western/Asian US-allies made jet trainers contains British made ejection seats. The original L39 had the Czech-built VS-1 ejection seat, but i don't know about the L-39NG.
For Martin-Baker free content Argentina is perhaps forced to buy chinese or Russian jet trainers.
For Martin-Baker free content Argentina is perhaps forced to buy chinese or Russian jet trainers.
The requirement is to fufill an air sovereignty / QRA need across the country, which will require a supersonic platform. The L39NG /turbofan will not fit this role due to the subsonic nature and it is somewhat similar to their own IA-63 Pampa.
Reportedly, the reasons for not favoring the JF-17 is because the dual seater is Block 2, while the single seater is Block 3, and they were concerned about maintaining different versions. There is not a lot of choices for them, even if they had the budget.
Sandhi Yudha
Well-Known Member
As far as i know, Martin-Baker PK16LE ejection seats are installed in the JF-17.
Big chance that the AIDC T-5 also has the Martin-Baker disease... how about the Boeing/Saab T-7?I was about to suggest the Korean T50 but I checked and they are also infected with the Martin Baker virus of export controls. Damn our cunning imperial long-game is good
The HESA Yasin is maybe Martin-Baker free... but then its better to stay with the IA-63 Pampa.
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The Chinese has a full range of domestic ejection seats, so replacing and certifiying them isn't a problem.
The Indians claim to be replacing the Martin Bakers on their Tejas with Russian seats. American engine, Indian airframe/avionics, Russian ejector seats. Not exactly the maintainable mix for an Airforce with budget issues and a small fleet.
The F-16 deal is still in motion. However, even if the deal was signed, it still depends on Argentina funding it. Alot can happen before the first planes hit the tarmac.
Further information on the composition of the deal. The willingness of the US to offer the sale of JHMC, 9X, 120Ds and pods are a surprise. Even the Egyptians do have not such generous terms from Uncle Sam.
www.pucara.org
Further information on the composition of the deal. The willingness of the US to offer the sale of JHMC, 9X, 120Ds and pods are a surprise. Even the Egyptians do have not such generous terms from Uncle Sam.
Mientras se espera la aprobación final de los fondos, la Argentina avanza en la negociación por los F-16
En estos días, el Ministerio de Defensa de Argentina se encuentra en la recta final para cerrar la compra de los 24 F-16A/B Block 15 Fighting Falcon (más un Block 10 para usar en instrucción en tierra), aunque aún se espera la aprobación final del presupuesto para la firma del contrato. La...
www.pucara.org
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The Letter of Intent has been signed (26 March 2024), with the contract to be finalised on the 15 April 2024.
To questions whether Argentina can afford it, well, they can't, but Uncle Sam is footing most of the bill.
To questions whether Argentina can afford it, well, they can't, but Uncle Sam is footing most of the bill.
Sandhi Yudha
Well-Known Member
The first F-16 Fighting Falcons are planned for arrival in 2025, and will be assigned to Grupo Aéreo 6 de Caza (G6C) at Tandil Air Base in the Buenos Aires Province.
I expected that the new fighters wil replace the A-4AR Skyhawks but it seems the F-16s will replace the IA-63 Pampa II and Pampa III.
www.scramble.nl
I expected that the new fighters wil replace the A-4AR Skyhawks but it seems the F-16s will replace the IA-63 Pampa II and Pampa III.
Argentine Air Force Fighting Falcon sighted
Argentine Air Force Fighting Falcon sighted On 16 April 2024, a Fuerza Aérea Argentina (FAA, Argentine Air Force) F-16BM Fighting Falcon was sighted at Skrydstrup Air Base (Denmark...
What the statement means is Grupo Aéreo 6 de Caza (G6C) will be converted/reequipped to operate F-16s. The IA-63 Pampa II and Pampa III are probably going to another squadron.
The F-16s are indeed meant to replace the Fightinghawks, which has low availability anyway.