The U.S. donated a WESCAM MX-10 electro-optical system to equip Argentine Navy surveillance aircraft

As part of the deepening bilateral relationship between the two governments, the United States completed the donation of a WESCAM MX-10 electro-optical surveillance and reconnaissance sensor system to the Argentine Navy, intended to be integrated into fixed-wing aircraft in service with the Naval Aviation Command.

With the inauguration of President Javier Milei, the national government set strengthening relations with the United States as a key priority. This decision has been reflected in defense cooperation, highlighted by several milestones, such as the acquisition of F-16 fighters, P-3C/N Orion surveillance and patrol aircraft, and an increasing number of bilateral exercises between the Argentine and U.S. armed forces.

In the maritime domain, one of the most significant developments was the confirmation of the transfer of two Beechcraft King Air 360ER MPA aircraft through existing U.S. Department of Defense cooperation mechanisms under Section 333 Authority to Build Capacity, a program designed to “…carry out or support initiatives that provide specialized training and essential equipment…” to key partner nations.

Within this framework, on August 29, the donation of an L3Harris WESCAM MX-10 electro-optical system was announced, presumably intended to equip fixed-wing aircraft of the Naval Aviation Command. While no specific details were provided, sources indicated that it could be integrated into the Beechcraft aircraft operated by the Maritime Surveillance Squadron, specifically the B-200 M Super King Air F and M “Cormorán” and the two recently acquired TC-12B Huron formerly of the U.S. Navy.

The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires and USSOUTHCOM officially stated that the donation, valued at three million dollars, will strengthen “…maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, key to combating illicit activities and enhancing security at sea.”

Finally, the WESCAM MX-10 is an electro-optical system developed, manufactured, and marketed by L3Harris, designed to be integrated into both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, manned or unmanned, ideal for low-altitude surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The U.S. company emphasizes that: “…it is a smaller, capable, and affordable commercial sensor system that incorporates proven technology from the larger WESCAM MX-15 and WESCAM MX-20 products. With fully active 4-axis stabilization, the multiespectral sensors of the WESCAM MX series provide imagery across multiple wavebands, ensuring day and night imaging capability in a wide range of weather conditions.”

Cover photograph used for illustrative purposes – Credits: the “mysterious spotter.”

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