The Argentinian Air Force is exploring the possibility of acquiring decommissioned CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters from the United States. This development comes as the Argentinian military faces difficulties maintaining its Russian Mi-171E helicopters, mainly due to sanctions against Russia.
A formal request has been sent by the Argentinian government to the United States for CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. General Xavier Issac, head of the Argentinia Air Force, indicated that a contract has been signed with Columbia Helicopters, a company based in the United States, for the renovation, modernization, and possible modification of the CH-46 helicopters.
The Argentinian Air Force ordered two Mi-171Es in 2010 for $26.5 million, which have been used for operations in Antarctica since 2011. Maintenance of these helicopters has become problematic due to sanctions against Russia, affecting the transfer of payments and dispatch of helicopters. Attempts to find maintenance solutions in Peru, Colombia, and Mexico were unsuccessful, as these countries are not certified to work on Mi-171E engines.