Within the framework of the strengthened bilateral relationship between both countries, the United States government is advancing the transfer of two new Beechcraft King Air 360ER MPA aircraft to equip the Argentine Navy. The operation, carried out through existing cooperation mechanisms, stands out due to the condition of the aircraft: new-build models equipped for maritime patrol and surveillance missions, destined for the Naval Aviation Command.
As reported, the Argentine Armed Forces have been making significant efforts to restore their maritime patrol and jurisdictional control capabilities—both for the surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone, in coordination with other national agencies, and for missions directly tied to the core functions of the Military Instrument.
The clearest example is the incorporation of a total of four (4) long-range maritime patrol aircraft P-3C/N Orion, acquired from the Kingdom of Norway, an operation that has received support from the government of the United States. Currently, the first aircraft, registration 6-P-57, has already been incorporated into service during the month of September of last year, with the incorporation of the second unit expected soon, coming from the U.S., where it is undergoing its final adjustments.
Although the consulted source has pointed out the progress made, as well as the good disposition of the parties to make it happen, no further details have been provided regarding the equipment, beyond the mentioned package corresponding to the maritime patrol version.
As previously indicated, the transfer of the new aircraft is framed within the programs and support mechanisms provided by the Department of Defense. More specifically, under Section “333” Authority to Build Capacity, a program designed and implemented “…to carry out or support initiatives that provide specific training and essential equipment…” to nations or key partners.
Among the various areas covered by the program, those that stand out in the case of the Argentine Navy are “…Maritime and border security operations” and “Military intelligence operations,” with these being coordinated — in the case of third countries — with the support of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
Finally, in the case of the Argentine Navy and its Naval Aviation Command — particularly the Maritime Surveillance Squadron — it is worth highlighting the leap in capabilities that this would represent for the unit, which already operates Beechcraft aircraft in its B-200 M Super King Air F and M “Cormorán” variants, to which two recently incorporated TC-12B Hurons, formerly of the U.S. Navy, have been added.
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