The Argentine Air Force has officially unveiled its first F-16BM multi-role fighter purchased from Denmark.

This was announced by Argentine Defense Minister Luis Petri.

It is worth noting that the aircraft is intended for training ground personnel and will not be used for flights.

At the presentation, the aircraft was equipped with AIM-9M/L Sidewinder, AIM-120B AMRAAM and Argentine FAS-850 Dardo 3 guided air-to-air missiles.

Militarnyi previously reported on discussions regarding the purchase of fighter jets from the Danish fleet in October 2024. 

This involved the acquisition of 24 F-16A/B MLU fighters for $338 million, along with a $312 million weapons package that included AIM-9 Sidewinders and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.

Under the agreement, the first F-16 combat aircraft will be delivered in 2025. Then Argentina will receive six units. After that, six F-16s will be delivered annually until the end of 2028.

Later, in November 2024, it became known that the United States had approved the sale of ammunition and equipment for F-16 fighters to Argentina. The total value of the order could be $941 million.

Argentina’s request includes 36 AIM-120 C-8 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, 2 guidance sections, 102 500-pound MK82 bombs, 50 MXU-650 tail kits for 500-pound GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs.

In addition, the country will purchase 102 FMU-152A/B unified programmable fuzes with FZU-63A/B systems and 50 MAU-169L/B computer control systems.

The purchase of used Danish fighters allowed the Argentine Air Force to maintain its operational capabilities and refuse to purchase Chinese JF-17s.

Argentina received the first aircraft for training its technical staff in December 2024.