Argentina is nearing the finalization of a deal to acquire 24 used F-16 fighter jets from Denmark, marking significant progress for its air force after years of searching for financially viable alternatives. The quest for a suitable replacement for its Mirage aircraft, which were retired in 2015, was hampered by a British veto on equipment containing UK-made components. This notably prevented the purchase of ten F/A-50 Golden Eagle jets from South Korea in 2020.
Due to these restrictions, Argentina had considered purchasing the JF-17 Thunder, developed by China and Pakistan, with a loan request of 664 million dollars proposed in the 2022 budget for a purchase that ultimately did not occur. Although the JF-17 had the support of the Argentine air force for its capabilities and the weapons package offered by China with few restrictions, this acquisition would have bolstered Chinese influence in South America, a prospect that changed with the United States’ authorization for Argentina to acquire Danish F-16s last October.
The election of President Javier Milei halted the discussion on the JF-17, reflecting a desire not to deepen ties with Beijing. The confirmation of the purchase of 24 F-16s by President Milei on March 20 marks the end of a long and complex process, with a total cost estimated at 650 million dollars, divided between the aircraft and ammunition.