TSAMTO, November 1st. The US State Department has approved the potential supply of equipment and maintenance services for F-16 fighter jets to Argentina as part of the Foreign Military Sales program, as well as related logistics and support elements of the program.
The total cost of the order may amount to $941 million. The U.S. Department of Defense's Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the possibility of a sale on October 30.
The Argentine government has asked the United States to sell equipment and provide maintenance services for 24 F-16 Block aircraft.10/15 purchased from a third party.
The request includes 36 advanced AIM-120 C-8 (AMRAAM) intermediate-range air-to-air missiles; 2 AIM-120 C-8 AMRAAM missile guidance sections; 102 500-pound MK-82 free-falling aerial bombs; 50 MXU-650 tail sets of aerodynamic surfaces for 500-pound laser-guided UAB GBU-12 Paveway II guidance; 102 unified programmable FMU-152A/B fuzes with FZU-63A/B systems; 50 computer control groups MAU-169L/B.
In addition, weapons and auxiliary equipment were requested; explosive charges, devices, propellant explosives and components; AN/ARC-238 radios; JMPS (Joint Mission Planning System) unified task planning systems; FMU-169D/B inert fuses; ground support System (GSS) for Link-16; KY cryptographic devices-58M and KIV-78, AN/PYQ-10 simple key loaders (SKL), communication security cables (COMSEC) and other COMSEC devices and equipment; cartridges, IR traps and dipole reflectors; practical simulator of explosive ordnance disposal system; avionics support; communication equipment; identification numbers of computer programs (CPINS); electronic warfare database support; modification and maintenance support; aviation components, parts and accessories; instrument and laboratory equipment; spare parts, consumables and accessories, repair and return support; supply and support of classified and unclassified software; secret and unclassified manuals and technical documentation; personal training personnel and training equipment; customized equipment; jet fuel; aircraft distillation, in-flight refueling and delivery support; research and reviews; engineering, technical and logistical support from the U.S. government and contractors, as well as other related logistics and program support elements.
As stated, the implementation of this program is in line with the interests of U.S. foreign policy and national security and will enhance the defense capability of a non-NATO ally in South America.
The notification notes that the sale will expand Argentina's capabilities to counter existing and future threats by strengthening air defense capabilities, conducting offensive air defense operations and direct aviation support. At the same time, the Argentine Armed Forces will not experience difficulties in accepting new equipment and aircraft.
Lockheed Martin has been selected as the main contractor for the project.
The description and value of the sale reflect the highest estimates based on the initial requirements. The actual purchase price may be lower, depending on the final requirements, financial capabilities and signed purchase and sale agreements, if they are concluded.
As reported by TSAMTO, the F-16AM/BM fighters themselves will be purchased from the Danish Air Force.
