As expected, the publication of the 2026 Budget Bill came with several developments, including projects of the Argentine Air Force aimed at recovering and incorporating new capabilities in infrastructure and services to support the F-16 program. The planned investment will begin in 2026 and, in all cases, extend until 2028.
According to the information contained in the annexed table “Acquisition of Goods and Services with Impact on Future Fiscal Years”, the Argentine Air Force’s F-16 program includes four initiatives focused on the recovery and incorporation of capabilities directly related to infrastructure and associated services of various units.
The four programs are:
- Recovery of communication equipment for the radar stations of Merlo, Tandil, Río IV, and Buenos Aires City (SINVICA / F-16 Program), with a total investment of ARS 44.381 billion.
- Incorporation of an Integrated Security and Military Defense System to increase the protection capability of the F-16 Air System at the Río IV Air Materiel Area, Córdoba, and the VI Air Brigade, Tandil, with a total investment of ARS 892.477 billion.
- Recovery of the Military Ramp Service at the 15 Brigades, Bases, and Detachments of the Argentine Air Force (F-16 Program), with a total investment of ARS 23.296 billion.
- Recovery of Runway and Helipad Maintenance Capacity of the Construction Group, Palomar Logistics Area, Buenos Aires Province (F-16 Program), with a total investment of ARS 34.580 billion.
As we have previously reported, the incorporation of the F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon into the Argentine Air Force also requires a considerable investment in infrastructure and the addition of new capabilities to operate, maintain, and sustain the new weapons system. Currently, the most relevant projects are being carried out at the VI Air Brigade in Tandil and at the Río IV Air Materiel Area, Córdoba Province.
In recent months, delegations from the private company Top Aces, the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), and the Air Force Security Assistance Training (AFSAT) have visited different Argentine Air Force units to evaluate and oversee ongoing work, as well as the Force’s installed capabilities to meet the requirements and obligations imposed by the incorporation of the F-16.
AFSAT personnel, responsible for coordinating with the Argentine Air Force the management of training under the LOA, worked together with the Force in planning the training stages that will serve as the basis for the technical and operational training of F-16 crews. In addition, a team from Top Aces visited the IV and VI Air Brigades, the Military Aviation School, and the Río IV Air Materiel Area, inspecting facilities and procedures, as well as verifying pilot training and their English proficiency in line with F-16 operational standards.
Finally, the DALO delegation, in charge of carrying out the ferry flight of the F-16s from Denmark to Argentina, surveyed the facilities of Río Cuarto airport. In Córdoba Province, the Danish contingent supervised the available infrastructure, current regulations, and runway works linked to the installation of arresting gear on both ends, tasks carried out by the National Airport System Regulatory Agency (ORSNA).
One of the latest updates regarding infrastructure progress was the reopening of Río Cuarto airport’s runway. From the town of Las Higueras, local media reported the completion of the works, with expectations of resuming commercial flights and, by the end of the year, receiving the new Argentine Air Force F-16s.
Cover image for illustration purposes. Credits: Forsvaret
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