While the first flights intended for pilot training continue under the Peace Condor program, the Argentine Air Force (FAA) is evaluating in the United States a set of upgrades and improvements for its F-16AM/BM fighters, aimed at strengthening their operational capabilities, optimizing critical systems, and ensuring the full integration of the recently incorporated aircraft.
Toward the end of March, a technical team from the FAA’s F-16 Program, together with personnel from the Military Attaché Office in Washington, Danish representatives from DALO (the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation), U.S. government officials, and specialists from Lockheed Martin Aero, carried out a series of activities at Plant 4 in Fort Worth, Texas. During these sessions, programs and lines of action were reviewed with the goal of integrating new capabilities, as well as updating systems and sensors that will be implemented in Argentine territory.
These tasks fall within the terms established in the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (L.O.A.) signed in December 2024 with the U.S. government. The agreement includes the modifications required to maintain the platform’s operational relevance in the regional arena, incorporating communication and data transmission technologies consistent with the operational employment concept defined by the FAA, while also ensuring interoperability.
This process is unfolding in line with recent developments that reinforce the consolidation of the program. According to Report No. 145 of the Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers, both the continuity of the contract payment scheme and the absence of operational restrictions on the systems were confirmed, including the use of weapons and their deployment, in addition to the securing of multi-year budget allocations for sustaining the fleet. In parallel, the training of pilots and technical personnel continues through the training program carried out by the company TOP ACES.
As for the incorporation schedule, six aircraft are currently already operating at Área Material Río Cuarto, in Córdoba, while the possibility of bringing forward the arrival of the second batch originally scheduled for late 2026 is being analyzed, replicating the logistical scheme implemented in December 2025. At the same time, the aircraft continue to undergo phase inspection processes, a key technical stage that ensures compliance with the standards established in the government-to-government acquisition contract with Denmark.
It is worth noting that the operation of the F-16AM/BM is supported by a comprehensive framework ranging from initial training to logistical sustainment, including the incorporation of tools and spare parts within the ILIAS management system, aimed at optimizing traceability and fleet maintenance. Taken together, these developments are consolidating a solid operational foundation for the Argentine Air Force, aligned with international standards and with a long-term outlook in the region.
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