While significant progress is being made in infrastructure works and in the development of simulation and training capabilities for future pilots and personnel, the Argentine Air Force has taken another important step in the incorporation and future sustainment of its F-16A/B MLU fighters acquired from Denmark.
More in detail, a delegation from the Institution participated for the first time in the F100 Global Engine Users Conference of Pratt & Whitney, one of the two main propulsion models used by F-16 fighters. This fact is not minor, as the event —held between May 19 and 23 at the Reed Conference Center, in Midwest City, Oklahoma— brings together representatives from the 27 operating countries of this powerplant with the objective of “…exchanging critical information on technological advancements, development status of new modules, production, and incorporation of innovations aimed at optimizing fleet performance.”
Additionally, an official visit was carried out to Tinker Air Force Base of the United States Air Force, one of the main logistics and support centers of the USAF Materiel Command, with special emphasis on the sustainment and maintenance of the various types of engines that power the force’s aircraft.
Finally, the Argentine delegation held meetings with representatives of the United States Air Force, Denmark, and the company Pratt & Whitney. These meetings, framed within the Peace Condor Program, aim to consolidate in Argentina the necessary capabilities for the sustainment of the engines and associated systems that will power the Institution’s future fleet of F-16 fighters.
As previously reported, the Argentine Air Force has already incorporated its first F-16 MLU Block 10 at the VI Air Brigade in Tandil, which is being used as a ground trainer. At the same time, the new Tactical Simulation Center has been inaugurated and put into operation. The first batch of F-16s in flying condition is expected to arrive in the country by the end of the current year 2025.
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