Through the updates reported in the latest Management Report No. 144 from the Cabinet Chief’s Office to Congress, several lawmakers’ questions focused on the current status of various Argentine Air Force (FAA) weapon systems. These inquiries addressed both aircraft that are currently part of the fleet and those in the process of being incorporated, such as the A-4AR Fightinghawk fighter-bombers and the future F-16 Fighting Falcons acquired from Denmark. In this way, the recently presented report reflects two very different realities for both aircraft: the future of the former remains clouded by uncertainty and a lack of official details, while the latter is receiving full support ahead of the imminent arrival of the first six units to the country.
Awaiting the First Fighting Falcons
As previously reported by Zona Militar, through interviews with the Chief of the FAA’s General Staff and the Heads of the Peace Condor Program, the Air Force is preparing to receive its first six F-16 fighters from Denmark this coming December. This initial batch will consist of two single-seat F-16AMs and four twin-seat F-16BMs.
At the same time, significant progress is being made in the training and preparation of future pilots, crews, and technicians for the new weapon system, both in Argentina and in the United States. Of particular note was the arrival earlier this year of an F-16B Block 10, employed at the VI Air Brigade in Tandil, Buenos Aires Province, as a ground trainer.
There are also advancements in infrastructure works at the bases from which the Argentine F-16s will operate. First among them is the Río Cuarto Air Material Area in Córdoba Province, which will serve as the fighters’ initial home, along with the VI Air Brigade in Tandil. Additionally, as reported in previous management reports, the Air Force is evaluating other units in various parts of the country for the future deployment of the combat aircraft.
Nevertheless, while the F-16 weapon system receives full support for its incorporation and entry into service—aiming to achieve the milestone of Initial Operational Capability—the situation of the A-4AR Fightinghawks is markedly different.
A Future Surrounded by Uncertainty
To this day, as has been consistently reported, the official status of the Fightinghawks, as outlined in management documents, remains one of uncertainty. In the latest Report No. 144 from the Cabinet Chief’s Office, it was stated laconically and without further detail that the aircraft “…are undergoing an evaluation process regarding the recovery of their capability for return to service,” without providing any estimated timelines.
Since the tragic accident that claimed the life of Captain Mauro Testa La Rosa in July 2024 (a particularly tragic month for the institution, which also mourned the death of Captain Franco Sottile during a parachuting exercise), the A-4AR weapon system has been virtually grounded, awaiting an official decision that has yet to materialize, while judicial processes continue.
Meanwhile, at the V Air Brigade based in Villa Reynolds, San Luis Province, the technical personnel dedicated to the upkeep and maintenance of the A-4ARs continue to carry out ground tests and subject the aircraft to specific inspections and maintenance while awaiting an official resolution.
It is not unreasonable to presume that an internal debate exists within the Argentine Air Force regarding the future of these combat aircraft. The reality shows that currently all resource support is being channeled toward the incorporation of the F-16s, while the return to service—or not—of the A-4ARs continues to be delayed, filling the issue with uncertainty and doubt, and often avoided when brought up in the public sphere.
*Original text in Spanish: Juan José Roldán
Photographs used for illustrative purposes only.
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