Following the viral spread of images showing the first F-16AM/BM displaying the emblems and insignia of the Argentine Air Force in Denmark, the institution confirmed the completion of painting work on the first batch of six fighters, which are scheduled to arrive next December at the Área Material Río Cuarto in Córdoba province.
As reported on September 18, the images revealed the first aircraft of the Peace Condor Program — not counting aircraft number “25,” used as a ground trainer — already displaying its registration “M-1001” (ex BM ET-612). Later, other images released by the Air Force showed that another aircraft, “M-1004” (ex BM ET-615), was also ready.
The viral sequences officially confirmed that personnel from Denmark’s Defense Acquisition Logistics Agency (DALO) and the Defense Maintenance Service (Forsvarets Vedligeholdelses Tjeneste – FVT) completed the painting of the first six fighters to be delivered to Argentina, consisting of four F-16BM two-seaters and two F-16AM single-seaters.
The Air Force also stated that currently “…a multidisciplinary team made up of F-16 Program personnel, DALO staff, and USAF personnel is planning the tasks related to the ferry operation (air transport) of the F-16 aircraft, which will be accompanied by KC-135R tankers and a C-130 logistics support aircraft from the Argentine Air Force, with the goal of arriving at Área Material Río IV at the beginning of December.”
Adding: “thanks to the fulfillment of the payment commitments assumed for 2025, both for the planned infrastructure works and for the contractual obligations with the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States, completed on time and as required, the planned milestones and events are being met as stipulated, allowing the program’s progress to be maintained.”
Finally, it should be noted that during this process the aircraft are receiving the appropriate surface treatments and the final standardized paint according to NATO specifications, specifically the well-known Have Glass V, similar to that applied to F-35 stealth fighters. Its main feature is the reduction of the aircraft’s radar cross-section, displaying a distinctive dark gray color, as seen in the viral images.
Photographs: credits to respective owners.
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