Argentina received its first six F-16 fighter jets from Denmark on Saturday, restoring the country’s supersonic combat capability after more than a decade as President Javier Milei hailed the aircraft as “guardian angels” for the nation.
Washington contributed $40 million—more than 13 percent of the deal—through its Foreign Military Financing program and approved the Denmark-to-Argentina transfer.
“After a long wait, I finally have behind me the first six F-16 fighter jets,” Milei said during a ceremony at the base on Saturday. “With this important investment in military equipment, we will substantially strengthen our Air Force.”
Ferry flight from Europe
Four two-seat F-16BMs and two single-seat F-16AMs departed Denmark on November 28, stopping in Zaragoza, Spain, and Gran Canaria before crossing the Atlantic to Brazil with support from a U.S. KC-135 tanker aircraft. Argentine Air Force Boeing 737 and C-130 aircraft escorted the fighters during portions of the journey.
On Saturday, the six jets performed a low-altitude flyover of Buenos Aires, flying in diamond formation over the city’s iconic Obelisk monument before the official presentation ceremony.
The F-16s are expected to enter operational service in January 2026, according to Argentine defense officials. The remaining 18 aircraft will be delivered in batches of six each December through 2028.
Restoring combat capability
The acquisition marks Argentina’s return to supersonic fighter operations after years without such capability. The mid-life upgraded F-16s include advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, and a weapons package that provides air defense, ground attack, and reconnaissance capabilities.
Milei, a right-wing populist elected in 2023, criticized previous administrations for what he described as neglect of the military. “This addition is essential because previous governments had left us defenseless,” he said. “Our government is determined to rectify decades of mistreatment toward our armed forces.”
Defense Minister Luis Petri said the F-16s would “definitively guarantee sovereignty in our skies.”
U.S. role in transfer
The United States approved the Denmark-to-Argentina sale and provided financing through its Foreign Military Financing program, which offers grants and loans to allied nations for arms purchases. U.S. approval was required because the F-16 is an American-designed aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
The deal also included U.S.-supplied spare parts, training equipment, simulators, and engines as part of the broader package.
The acquisition prevented Argentina from pursuing Chinese or Russian alternatives, including the Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder or Russian Sukhoi fighters, according to defense analysts.
Argentina joins more than 25 countries that operate F-16s, one of the most widely used fighter aircraft globally with approximately 3,000 jets still in service.
