The long-awaited acquisition of fighters for the Argentine Air Force may be close to completion.
The country’s president, Javier Milei, once again suggested on his social media that the purchase of second-hand F-16 fighters is underway, but without elaborating on this.
However, the visit of the Danish Minister of Defense to Argentina next week could be what is needed for the deal to be closed, according to Clarin local newspaper.
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Troels Lund Poulsen is expected to arrive in Buenos Aires on March 26 to discuss the sale of 24 to 28 F-16A and B fighters in a deal estimated at US$700 million.
The transfer of the aircraft, which are being replaced by 5th generation F-35A fighters, has already received the approval of the United States, which intends to reduce China’s political influence in the region.
Sino-Pakistani fighter was the favorite
Previously, the Argentine Air Force’s most likely fighter to be chosen was the JF-17 Thunder III, developed by Pakistan and China.
The Biden administration then reacted and negotiated an attractive package for the Argentine government, which also included P-3 Orion maritime patrol planes that were decommissioned by Norway.
Denmark, however, also intends to send part of its F-16 fleet to Ukraine, as part of the effort so that the country can defend itself against attacks from Russia.
Argentina has been without an air defense fighter since 2015, when it took its last Dassault Mirage IIIs out of service.
