The Argentine Air Force has received a second batch of six F-16 Fighting Falcon supersonic combat aircraft from Denmark under a $300 million contract signed in 2024.
The latest delivery comprises four single-seat F-16AM aircraft and two two-seat F-16BM variants. All six aircraft arrived at the Río Cuarto Air Materiel Area in Córdoba following a 7,000-mile (11,265-kilometre) transatlantic flight supported by three US Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker aerial refuelling aircraft.
Argentine Defence Minister Carlos Presti presided over the arrival ceremony and highlighted the importance of the acquisition in restoring and strengthening the country’s air-defence capabilities. Argentina had retired its Mirage fighter fleet in 2015, leaving a significant gap in its supersonic combat aviation capabilities.
Argentina’s F-16 Fleet Reaches 12 Aircraft
The latest delivery brings Argentina’s F-16 fleet to 12 aircraft, representing the halfway point of a government-to-government agreement covering 24 F-16s. Denmark is transferring the aircraft as it continues its transition toward the fifth-generation F-35 fighter.
Argentina received its first six F-16s in December 2025, while the remaining 12 aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2027.
Argentine media have reported that the overall F-16 programme could be valued at up to $900 million when associated capabilities are included. The broader package is expected to cover weapons, aircrew training and preparation programmes, as well as infrastructure upgrades at Argentine airbases.
Following the latest handover, the newly delivered F-16s will temporarily remain at Río Cuarto while modernisation and infrastructure work continues at their designated permanent base with the Argentine Air Force’s 6th Air Brigade in Tandil.
The acquisition represents a major step in Argentina’s efforts to rebuild its fighter aviation capability and establish a modern supersonic combat fleet after years without an operational supersonic fighter force.
