The Argentine Air Force is finalizing preparations to receive its first six F-16AM/BM in December

Por

12 September, 2025

Delegations from Top Aces, the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), and the Air Force Security Assistance Training (AFSAT), along with members of the F-16 Program, visited Argentina to inspect the facilities, infrastructure, and procedures of the Argentine Air Force (FAA), in the framework of the upcoming incorporation of six F-16AM/BM fighters scheduled for December and the start of the transition course planned for January 2026 in Río Cuarto.

The arrival of these aircraft is part of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) agreement signed between Argentina and the United States. Under this arrangement, Top Aces was selected to train Argentine pilots on the F-16 weapon system. In addition, agreements are being pursued with other Air Forces to secure foreign instructors in the future and exchange experiences.

Delegations and functions
In August, the FAA simultaneously received three delegations:

AFSAT, in charge of coordinating with the FAA the training management planned under the LOA.
Top Aces, responsible for the training of technicians and pilots.
DALO, the Danish body in charge of the logistical transfer of aircraft from Denmark to Argentina.

AFSAT personnel worked with the FAA on planning the training stages that will serve as the foundation for the technical and operational training of F-16 crews.

The Top Aces team toured various units across the country, including the VI Air Brigade in Tandil, where they familiarized themselves with the DART tactical training system; the IV Air Brigade in Mendoza, where they observed tactical flights with the IA-63 Pampa; and the Military Aviation School, where they analyzed the use of the Texan II’s Ground-Based Training System (GBTS). At the Río IV Air Material Area, they inspected facilities and procedures, in addition to verifying pilot training and their English proficiency according to F-16 operational standards.

Meanwhile, the DALO delegation, responsible for ferrying the F-16s from Denmark to Argentina, surveyed the facilities at Río Cuarto Airport. They inspected the available infrastructure, current regulations, and runway works related to the installation of arresting systems at both ends, tasks carried out by the National Airport System Regulatory Agency (ORSNA). These works included resurfacing, conditioning, and friction and braking distance measurements.

In a recent report to the Chamber of Deputies, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that the first six fighters from Denmark will arrive before the end of the year and provided details on the progress of infrastructure works in Tandil and Río Cuarto.

The ministry stated: “Currently, technical and mechanical teams are in the U.S. preparing to provide maintenance and support for the aircraft. Their training will continue in Denmark starting in October. The pilots continue training in Argentina, and their instruction is expected to continue in the U.S. and Denmark beginning in October.”

It also reported that “a group of FAA personnel will travel in September to begin consolidating the initial sustainment package, which is scheduled to depart Denmark in October by sea. In addition, C-130 flights are planned to transport sensitive material between October and December.”

C-130 Hercules aircraft have already conducted flights between Argentina and Denmark months ago, transporting F-16 components and the first airframe to arrive in the country: the F-16BM Block 10 M1210, aircraft no. 25, intended for training, instruction, and the development of pilots, support crews, mechanics, and engineers.

Images courtesy of the Argentine Air Force. Cover image for illustration purposes only.