With Argentina trying to modernize its armed forces, Danish F-16s and Norwegian P-3s would possibly quickly be on their method to South America.

After years of makes an attempt, Argentina would possibly lastly be capable to purchase western plane to modernize its armed forces. On Oct.11, 2023, the U.S. Division of State accepted the switch of second-hand F-16s from Denmark to Argentina and paved the way in which additionally for the same switch of P-3s from Norway.

Argentina already tried previously to amass new plane to exchange its obsolete A-4R Fightinghawk, nevertheless the gross sales at all times met the veto from the UK as most western plane use British elements, such because the Martin Baker ejection seats. This case existed for the reason that finish of the Falklands Warfare, nevertheless the switch of the F-16s doesn’t require the approval from the UK.

US authorities didn’t present numbers, nevertheless Argentinian media shops report that the sale would contain 24 Vipers (because the F-16 is nicknamed by the pilots) that may exchange the A-4Rs on a one-to-one foundation. The A-4R is the one fighter jet in service, after the retirement of the Mirage III in 2016. The F-16 now faces the competition of the JF-17, which was already being thought of by the federal government.

As we speak @StateDeptPM’s Mira Resnick 🇺🇸 delivered a letter to @JorArguello approving the switch of F-16 plane from Denmark 🇩🇰 to 🇦🇷Argentina. The switch reaffirms our shut protection ties and steadfast help for Argentina’s air power modernization efforts. pic.twitter.com/ia4D92An40

— Political-Army Affairs, US Dept of State (@StateDeptPM) October 11, 2023

Denmark can also be transferring 19 of their 43 F-16s to Ukraine, so the sale of the remaining 24 plane to Argentina would go away the nation with out the issue of coping with the retired F-16 fleet as soon as the F-35 is absolutely operational and takes over the Viper’s roles. In response to newspaper La Nacion, the bundle will embody coaching, tools, AIM-120 and AIM-9 missiles and a $40 million fund to assist with the acquisition.

A supply throughout the US authorities informed FlightGlobal that the switch of 4 P-3 Orion maritime patrol plane can also be being approved, after Argentina reached an agreement with Norway for the acquisition of the retired P-3s. The deal, value $67 million, consists of three P-3C plane fitted for maritime surveillance, anti-submarine and anti-surface missions, and one P-3N designed for search and rescue operations, in keeping with a information launch from the Argentine Defence Ministry.

The ”new” Orions, which may arrive in Argentina this month, will bolster the Navy’s surveillance squadron which operated the older P-3B which is going through issues and delays with the refurbishment program. The P-3C, though solely few years youthful, was upgraded with the mixing of AN/USQ-78B acoustic processor know-how refresh, AN/ASQ-227 plane mission computer systems and tactical cellular acoustic help programs

Stefano D’Urso is a contract journalist and contributor to TheAviationist based mostly in Lecce, Italy. A graduate in Industral Engineering he is additionally finding out to realize a Grasp Diploma in Aerospace Engineering. Digital Warfare, Loitering Munitions and OSINT methods utilized to the world of army operations and present conflicts are amongst his areas of experience.