Before the end of the year, the Ministry of Defense plans to showcase two management milestones with the joint presentation of the new F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters of the Argentine Air Force and the 8×8 Stryker M1126 armored vehicles of the Argentine Army. The event could also coincide with the change of head of the Defense portfolio, marking the end of the current minister Luis Petri’s tenure.
According to what has been reported on a few occasions by the Minister of Defense and the Argentine Air Force, the arrival in Argentina of the first batch of F-16AM/BM fighters from Denmark will take place in the first days of December, marking a milestone for Argentina — not only due to the scope of the program but also for the recovery of supersonic combat aviation capabilities.
Although some options for the presentation of the first batch of six F-16s have emerged, the central ceremony for the reception of the Danish fighters has not yet been officially confirmed.
In parallel, the Argentine Army expects the arrival of the first four 8×8 Stryker armored vehicles in their M1126 troop transport variant. The arrival of these units in the country is expected in the last ten days of November, marking another milestone as the first step in the long-awaited and necessary project to form a Medium Wheeled Brigade.
The main unit to receive the armored vehicles will be the X Mechanized Brigade, which forms part of the Rapid Deployment Force and constitutes its heavy element. Currently, the Brigade is equipped with 6×6 Oshkosh M1083A1P2 trucks, so the arrival of the first Strykers will represent a significant leap in capabilities.
A joint presentation, the crowning achievement for the administration
The very idea of having six F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters on display alongside four Stryker armored vehicles would create an image rarely seen in recent decades, which were marked by disinvestment and the loss of major capabilities such as those offered by the mentioned aircraft and armored vehicles.
The event could also serve as a crowning achievement for Minister Luis Petri’s administration, who would leave his post at the Ministry of Defense to assume his new legislative position, if election results allow.
The F-16 program has been the spearhead of the current administration in repeatedly emphasizing its intention to re-equip the Armed Forces. This project not only involves the incorporation of the aircraft but also includes significant investment in infrastructure and additional capabilities. The proposed armament package should also be considered, which would require a considerable outlay if fully implemented, as previously reported.
Regarding the 8×8 Stryker armored vehicles, this is an initial step that will see the incorporation of 8 units, marking the first stage in which doctrine and aspects related to maintenance and sustainment will be developed.
The VCBR project envisions the acquisition of 209 units in various variants, including troop transport, cavalry with a 105mm gun, infantry combat with a 30mm cannon, among others.
*Illustrative cover image
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