The Argentine Air Force (FAA) received its first F-16 Block 10 fighters, sourced from surplus Danish Air Force stock, ending nearly a decade without an operational supersonic combat aircraft. Argentina had lost its air combat capability with the retirement of the Mirage III and A-4AR Fightingfalcon fleets, without replacement for years.
The contract covers the acquisition of 25 F-16s — 18 single-seat and 7 two-seat variants — with the first six aircraft delivered by the end of 2025. The FAA is expected to declare Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for at least one squadron by 2026, with the remainder of the fleet delivered in phases through 2028 depending on refurbishment timelines in Denmark.
Argentina’s return to supersonic fighter capability reshapes the regional air power balance in South America. With the FAB operating the Gripen E and the FAA resuming advanced air combat operations with the F-16, the two largest air forces in the Southern Cone are reconstituting their high-end air defense capabilities simultaneously.
The Argentine F-16 program faces logistical challenges related to second-generation aircraft support, pilot training pipelines and the integration of compatible air-to-air weapons. Argentina has signaled interest in acquiring modern beyond-visual-range missiles to arm the new fleet.
