The recent arrival of the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft marks a true milestone for the Argentine Air Force, as it is not only another step toward regaining capabilities but must also drive a before-and-after moment for the Force. With this first batch of six aircraft, Argentine combat aviation will begin writing a new and long-awaited chapter in its rich history.
Once the arrival date was confirmed, the journey of the new F-16AB/BM, together with the support aircraft of the Air Force, was closely followed with great expectation by the local public. Every technical stop —including Zaragoza, Gando, Isla de Sal, and Natal— became part of the countdown to their long-awaited arrival on Argentine soil.
This great anticipation was evident in Las Higueras, a town in the province of Córdoba where the Río Cuarto Air Material Area is based, the unit that will host the new F-16 fighter jets for the coming years until work is completed at the VII Air Brigade in Tandil, Buenos Aires.
With an organization and willingness rarely seen for this type of event, the authorities of the Municipality of Las Higueras took the initiative to ensure that the general public could participate in these very special days for the Argentine Air Force and for the country. This was evident on Friday, 5 December, with the formation arrival of the FAA’s F-16s together with the three KC-135R of the U.S. Air Force; and on Saturday, 6 December, with the departure and arrival of the fighter aircraft as they headed toward the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, as well as the arrival of President Javier Milei.
On both days, a large crowd gathered in an area specially set up by the local municipality for the occasion.
A long road ahead
Since Argentina confirmed the purchase of the F-16 Fighting Falcon weapon system, the Air Force began a long process that will require the institution to incorporate a variety of changes, from academic and doctrinal matters to material ones. Many FAA officers and NCOs have told this outlet that the incorporation of the new fighter aircraft must also come with a change in organizational culture.
To implement these changes at the institutional level, the Air Force will face numerous challenges, given the rigid structure characteristic of any military organization, along with its own idiosyncrasies, which may be not particularly flexible or responsive to short-term change, as personnel from the FAA itself have commented.
Regarding material and infrastructure—which are always tied to budgetary considerations—the Air Force will continue implementing various programs stemming from the main project but which together form a whole in support of the F-16 fighter aircraft. This includes everything from the upgrading and construction of new facilities to the acquisition of equipment to reinforce installation security and appropriate material to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft.
As for human resources, another major challenge is retaining aircrews and technical personnel. One of the main problems still faced by the Armed Forces is their low salaries, which results in a constant outflow of personnel who request discharge in search of new opportunities in the civilian market. Pilots and technicians are among the most in-demand and best-paid positions in the commercial sector, so strategies will be needed to retain personnel under good conditions.
Although the excitement over the recent arrival of the F-16s remains strong, it must be clear that the Argentine Air Force still has a long road ahead in order to complete the incorporation of the weapon system, in addition to adapting to all aspects related to its operation, sustainment, evolution, and projection.
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