As previously reported by Zona Militar, the strengthening of bilateral ties with the United States, as well as with other Western countries, has led to the reception of various proposals and opportunities regarding the reequipment of the Argentine Armed Forces. The most recent of these points to the potential recovery of heavy rotary-wing transport capabilities through the possible transfer of CH-53G helicopters from the German Air Force (Luftwaffe).
To date, the Luftwaffe maintains a significant fleet of CH-53G helicopters as its primary heavy-lift rotary-wing platform, which was operated until the 2010s by the German Army Aviation Corps.
This fleet originated in the 1960s, when the German government reached an agreement with the United States for the acquisition of up to 110 units, derived from the CH-53D variant and locally manufactured by VFW-Fokker.
Given their importance for transporting large numbers of infantry units and other forces, as well as for cargo transport, humanitarian aid, and even firefighting operations, the fleet has been sustained and upgraded over decades of operation.
To cite a few examples, companies like Rheinmetall, through Rheinmetall Aviation Services, have provided support to the CH-53Gs. One of the latest contracts awarded by the German Armed Forces took place in 2022, under which the company was tasked with providing support, maintenance, and repair services for the fleet based in Laupheim.
As for the opportunity these helicopters represent, it must also be noted that the German Air Force is currently in the process of replacing them with a new fleet consisting of 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters, with the first units expected to arrive by 2027.
In light of this situation, and considering the potential these aircraft would represent for the Argentine Armed Forces — which have been exploring different options to recover capabilities lost after the retirement of the last Chinooks from the Air Force (those belonging to the Army were lost during the Falklands War, with one unit destroyed and the other captured) — initial steps are reportedly being taken for a potential evaluation.
According to sources consulted by Zona Militar, and as was the case with the previous offer of CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters retired by the United States, the Argentine Armed Forces would move forward in assessing the proposal for the CH-53Gs, with efforts initiated through diplomatic channels and military attachés.
However, as with the CH-46s, this evaluation — which requires feasibility studies for their operation and sustainment — must face several financial variables, in addition to other more urgent needs of the Armed Forces.
As previously mentioned, the Army Aviation Directorate requires a new platform to eventually replace its UH-1H Huey/Huey II fleet, having recently launched a tender that included the acquisition of three UH-60 Black Hawks — a process which, as of today, shows no progress after the original procurement effort was cancelled.
As for the Air Force and the Navy, both institutions also face needs related to the reinforcement and incorporation of new helicopters in other segments, such as the medium-lift category. The case of the Naval Aviation Command is particularly critical, given the reduced number of aircraft operated by the Second Helicopter Squadron. This unit has been evaluating the incorporation of additional Sea Kings, like those recently acquired from the United States, due to the imminent retirement of airframes reaching the end of their flight hours — especially considering the vital role these aircraft play in supporting the Summer Antarctic Campaign.
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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