The Argentine Air Force has taken delivery of its first six F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon fighter jets acquired from Denmark’s surplus inventory, the Ministry of Defense announced on December 5.
All six aircraft flew from Denmark to Argentina under their own power, completing the long-range transfer with several technical stopovers and aerial refueling provided by three U.S.-built Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers.
Part of a 25-aircraft acquisition
Argentina is purchasing a total of 25 F-16AM/BM aircraft from Denmark, a number that includes a non-flying airframe delivered in December 2024. While the initial expectation was for the jets to be shipped by sea, the direct ferry flight of the latest batch indicates accelerated delivery progress.
Defense officials said the introduction of the F-16 marks “a significant qualitative leap” in the country’s air defense capabilities after many years of stagnation.
“This delivery represents a critical milestone in rebuilding the capabilities of the Argentine Air Force,” the ministry said.
🇦🇷 Nuestros F-16 en el cielo 🇦🇷
— Ministerio de Defensa (@MinDefensa_Ar) December 7, 2025
Un vuelo ferry histórico desde Dinamarca hasta la Argentina: dos escalas en España -Zaragoza y Canarias-, reabastecimiento en vuelo con apoyo de aeronaves KC-135 Stratotanker de la @usairforce, una escala en Natal y, finalmente, el arribo al Área… pic.twitter.com/7c06sEjp5h
U.S. package worth $941 million
Following Argentina’s procurement agreement with Denmark in April 2024, the government signed an additional $941 million U.S. Foreign Military Sales package in December 2024. The package includes training, logistics and a weapons suite consisting of:
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AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles
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GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs
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Training and maintenance support
These systems are expected to enhance the F-16 fleet’s regional deterrence value significantly.
Argentina becomes third F-16 operator in South America
With the arrival of the first jets, Argentina joins Venezuela and Chile as the third F-16 operator in South America. Officials in Buenos Aires view the acquisition not only as fleet renewal but also as a long-term modernization effort.
One government official noted that operating used F-16s could pave the way for future acquisition of new-build F-16C/D Block 70/72 aircraft.
