As part of the ferry flight of the F-16 fighters destined for the Argentine Air Force, three KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft of the United States Air Force (USAF)—tail numbers 63-8034, 63-8031 and 60-0328—recently arrived at Gando Air Base, in the Canary Islands, after departing from Joint Base Andrews (ADW) in Camp Springs. The deployment of these aircraft aims to provide logistical support and aerial refueling to the first six jets being transferred by the FAA from Denmark, ahead of their official induction.
The operation, which marks a milestone for Argentine military aviation, involves the transfer of two single-seat F-16AM and four dual-seat F-16BM aircraft. The fighters took off from Vojens Airport, completing their first stop in Zaragoza, Spain, before continuing their Atlantic crossing with support from the U.S. and Argentine assets deployed for the mission.
Official images released by Argentina’s Ministry of Defense and records shared on social media confirm that the first units bear the tail numbers M1004, M1005, M1007, M1008, M1009 and M1020. They are organized into two formations of three aircraft, accompanied by the Boeing 737 T-99 “Islas Malvinas” and the KC-130H Hercules TC-69—both belonging to the Argentine Air Force—which had been deployed earlier to Denmark to coordinate and assist with the crossing.
The arrival of the KC-135 Stratotankers in the Canary Islands represents a key element within the international support framework, as their aerial refueling capability is essential for enabling the F-16s to complete the transatlantic flight.
According to the planned schedule, the first Argentine F-16 AM/BM fighters will arrive in the country on December 5 at the Río Cuarto Materiel Area in Córdoba. This will mark the beginning of a new operational phase for the Argentine Air Force, characterized by the incorporation of supersonic aircraft and a significant strengthening of its combat capabilities.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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