As part of the modernization and strengthening of the Argentine Air Force’s (FAA) combat capability, the refurbishment works at the Area Material Río Cuarto (ARMACUAR) have entered their final phase, in preparation for receiving the first six F-16AM/BM aircraft purchased from Denmark in December 2025. The works, expected to be completed between late October and mid-November, are part of a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade plan that will allow the new weapons system to be housed and maintained under optimal conditions, marking a milestone in the technological transformation of the institution.
The FAA Construction Group, responsible for executing the project, has been carrying out various refurbishment and modernization tasks at Area Material Río Cuarto since March. These include the repair of platforms and taxiways in the military sector, the expansion of operational margins, and the refurbishment of concrete slabs, aiming to meet the stringent technical standards required for F-16 operations. The works also cover improvements to taxiway and platform surfaces, which are essential for ensuring safe and efficient operations of the new fighters.
In parallel, key infrastructure works have advanced, including upgrades to fire-fighting services, construction of a new maintenance workshop for the arresting cable system, facilities to support avionics systems, a cargo terminal, perimeter fencing, and other service areas. These enhancements respond not only to technical requirements but also to the need to increase security and surveillance levels at the base, reinforcing the protection of aircraft, personnel, and facilities.
To carry out this project, the Construction Group personnel received specialized training with guidance from national and international experts, including specialists from the United States. This training enabled the staff to achieve the international operational standards required for F-16 maintenance. Additionally, new machinery and equipment—such as an aircraft transport trolley and a joint and crack sealing machine—have been incorporated, enhancing the technical capacity and operational autonomy of the group.
It should be noted that the Área Material Río Cuarto has been designated as the central maintenance and logistics support unit for the F-16 Fighting Falcon weapons system and will be the first to receive the initial batch comprising four F-16BM two-seaters and two F-16AM single-seaters. The refurbishment works, which are over 90% complete, also include the comprehensive rehabilitation of the 2,260-meter main runway, approved by ORSNA with an investment of AR$12.7 billion.
These works include the resurfacing of critical areas and the installation of cable arresting systems, similar to those that will be implemented at the VI Air Brigade in Tandil, another base being adapted for the operation of the new system. It is worth noting that both in Río Cuarto and Tandil, the FAA is carrying out an extensive infrastructure adjustment and security reinforcement program, incorporating new equipment and surveillance systems to ensure the proper operation of the F-16 and the protection of the assigned assets.
*Image credits: Argentine Air Force.
You may also like: Driven by the purchase of the P-3C/N for the Navy, Argentina deepens cooperation in the matter of Defense with Norway
