In the recent Report of the Cabinet Chief to the Chamber of Deputies, the Ministry of Defense provided some details on the current state of the Argentine Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon program. The executive’s report emphasized, as is known, that the fighters coming from Denmark will be incorporated before the end of the year, with the arrival of 6 units, while infrastructure works continue at the Tandil and Río Cuarto Bases.
In its response, the Ministry of Defense detailed that “…At the moment, the teams of technicians and mechanics who are preparing to provide maintenance and sustainment to the aircraft are in the United States. Their training will continue in Denmark starting in October. The pilots continue training in Argentina and it is planned that their training will continue in the United States and Denmark starting in October…”.
What was pointed out by the Ministry of Defense is one of the many critical points for the Argentine Air Force to be able to begin incorporating, operating and sustaining the F-16 Fighting Falcon weapons system.
Likewise, the Defense portfolio elaborated on the logistical aspect of the Argentine Air Force’s F-16 program, also known as Peace Condor. The report mentions that “…a group of FAA personnel will move in the month of September to begin the consolidation of the initial sustainment package, which is expected to leave Denmark in October via sea. On the other hand, C-130 flights are planned for the transfer of sensitive material between October and December…”.
It is worth recalling that the Air Force’s Hercules have already carried out their first transfer flights between Argentina and Denmark a few months ago, on which occasion various F-16 components were transported, as well as the first Fighting Falcon airframe to arrive in the country. This was the F-16BM Block 10 M1210, aircraft no. 25, which is used for training, instruction and preparation of pilots, support crews, mechanics and engineers.
Report 144 of the Cabinet Chief also addressed issues related to the infrastructure from which support will be provided and the new Argentine Air Force fighters will operate. The arrival of the F-16s also forced the FAA to make a considerable investment in Río Cuarto and Tandil, in order to operate and provide logistical support and maintenance to the Fighting Falcon.
In this regard, the Ministry of Defense detailed that in “…Río Cuarto the works to adapt hangars, taxiways and military apron are in an advanced state of execution, with completion expected by mid-November. The arrival of the first six aircraft is planned for the first half of December, at which time both the facilities, as well as the technicians and pilots, will be in a position to begin the advanced training and operational stages with the aircraft in Argentina…”.
Clarification regarding the possibility of a veto by the United Kingdom
When asked about the possibility that the incorporation of the F-16 Fighting Falcon for the Argentine Air Force could fall under a veto by the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Defense clarified that “…Negotiations with the United States and other allies have explicitly contemplated this point, ensuring that there are no conditions on the availability of spare parts or the operation of the acquired systems. In the purchase of the F-16, for example, the United States guaranteed the supply of spare parts, training and technical assistance, without any condition that limits the sovereign use of the aircraft…”.
It was also clarified that “…there is no restriction imposed by the United Kingdom on the acquired F-16 aircraft. The radar has no limitations imposed by Great Britain, nor by the U.S. Consequently, the F-16 system will be able to operate in any area of National interest…”.
In addition, the F-16s will have “…a weapons package designed for the Defense of the Argentine Nation, which may be used both for pilot training and, in case of armed conflict, within the prescriptions of Argentine Law. Consequently, authorization from the U.S. is not required for its use…”.
Finally, regarding the incorporation of the F-16 fighters and the acquisition of assets to support their operations, Defense indicated that “…the Argentine Air Force has plans for the acquisition of refueling aircraft compatible with the F-16 aircraft, which will depend on the availability of financing and on the analysis of priorities for the re-equipment and incorporation of military capabilities of the three Armed Forces…”.
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