One of the Argentine Navy’s Grumman S-2T Turbo Trackers, making its final flights before retirement, arrived this morning at the Military Aviation School of the Air Force in the city of Córdoba. The antisubmarine twin-engine aircraft was photographed by local aviation spotters during its visit.
Thanks to images shared by Nicolás Ramírez (@nramirez36 on X), the arrival of S-2T Turbo Tracker 2-AS-23 at the Military Aviation School can be confirmed. This aircraft is the last example still in service with the Escuadrilla Aeronaval Antisubmarina. The Navy plans to retire the Turbo Tracker fleet after more than sixty years of service, a history that began with the S-2A Tracker variant.
The history of the S-2 Tracker in Argentine Naval Aviation dates back to the incorporation of the aircraft carrier ARA Independencia, which led to the development of the embarked air group. To support operational needs, the Navy created the Escuadrilla Aeronaval Antisubmarina, which was initially equipped with six S-2A Trackers acquired from the United States and delivered aboard the ARA Independencia in 1962.
Over the years—during which Argentina also operated the aircraft carrier ARA 25 de Mayo—the fleet expanded. In addition to the original six S-2A aircraft, an S-2F was incorporated in 1967, and in 1978 a batch of six S-2E airframes was added.
The Grumman S-2 Trackers saw intense activity, including their role during the conflict over Malvinas, when the squadron flew 112 missions and accumulated more than 520 flight hours without losses, despite repeated attempts at interception by British forces. For their performance, the unit was awarded the distinction Honor al Valor en Combate.
To maintain antisubmarine capability, Argentina launched a modernization program known as TATA (Turbinización del Avión Tracker Argentino) in cooperation with Israeli company IAI. The project produced the S-2T Turbo Tracker, featuring Garrett/Honeywell TPE331-15AW turboprop engines, upgraded avionics, and improved endurance.
However, budget constraints, aging airframes, and various accidents gradually reduced the operational fleet. With the arrival of P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, the Navy decided to begin phasing out the S-2T Turbo Tracker.
The recent visit to Córdoba serves as a fitting tribute and farewell to this historic aircraft.
Cover photo courtesy of Nicolás Ramírez.
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