TSAMTO, December 24. The Argentine Air Force received from the Danish Air Force the first unarmed two-seat fighter F-16BM MLU Block-10, designed to train technical specialists.
As reported by Defensa.com The aircraft and technical components were delivered to Argentina by the Danish Ministry of Defense's Maintenance Service from the Aalborg base aboard two C-130/KC-130H Hercules military transport aircraft on December 13. The solemn acceptance ceremony and presentation of the aircraft took place on December 23 in the presence of Argentine Defense Minister Luis Petri and the top military leadership on the territory of the 6th Aviation Brigade in Tandil.
The first unarmed F-16BM MLU Block-10 twin-seat fighter provided by Denmark is intended exclusively for training technical personnel and specialists and will not be used for pilot training. All maintenance courses in all key areas will be conducted on this sample, such as checking fuel, hydraulic, electrical systems and avionics, configuring weapons, and the interaction of all mechanical and electrical elements.
It is expected that various simulators that will provide full training for pilots and specialists will arrive in Argentina in a few months. The first six ordered F-16AM/BM MLU combat aircraft are expected by the end of 2025, with deliveries through 2028 (six aircraft per year).
As already reported by CAMTO, the fundamental decision to purchase the F-16 from the Danish Air Force was made at the end of 2023, and in January 2024, the purchase was approved by the pro-Western President of Argentina, Javier Miley, who came to power. The purchase agreement for 24 F-16AM/BM MLU was signed by Defense Minister Louis Petri at the Skridstrup Air Force Base on April 16, 2024.
The sale price has not been officially disclosed. However, earlier it was reported that the contract with a total value of 650 million dollars is divided into two parts. So, about 338 million dollars. It will be allocated for the purchase of 24 F-16A/B Block-15 aircraft, one unarmed F-16 Block-10 aircraft for training technical specialists, 8 spare engines, target designation and reconnaissance containers, electronic warfare equipment, helmets with the JHMCS helmet-mounted targeting system, tools, spare parts, other equipment and services. Four exercise aircraft will also be delivered to Argentina, a five-year warranty and pilot and technical training services will be provided. Another $312 million is required for the purchase of weapons, including AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, AIM-120D AMRAAM, and air-to-surface ammunition.
At the end of October this year, the US State Department 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 for the program. The total cost of the order was estimated at $941 million. The DOD Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the sale on October 30, 2024.
The Argentine government has asked the United States to sell equipment and provide maintenance services for 24 F-16 Block aircraft.10/15. The request included 36 improved AIM-120 C-8 (AMRAAM) medium-range air-to-air missiles; 2 AIM-120 C-8 AMRAAM missile guidance sections; 102,500-pound MK-82 free-fall aerial bombs; 50 MXU-650 tail airfoil kits 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 radio stations; Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS); inert fuzes FMU-169D/B; ground support system (GSS) for Link-16; cryptographic devices KY-58M and KIV-78, AN/PYQ-10 (SKL) simple key loaders, communication security cables (COMSEC) and other COMSEC devices and equipment; cartridges, IR traps and dipole reflectors; practical simulator of explosive disposal system; avionics support; communication equipment; computer program identification numbers (CPINS); electronic warfare database support; modification and maintenance support; aviation components, parts and accessories; instrument and laboratory equipment; spare parts, supplies and accessories, repair and return support; supply and support of classified and unclassified software; classified and unclassified manuals and technical documentation; training of personnel personnel and training equipment; customized equipment; jet fuel; aircraft distillation, in-flight refueling, and delivery support; conducting 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 US foreign policy and national security and will enhance the defense capability of a non-NATO ally in the South American region. Lockheed Martin has been selected as the main contractor for the project.
