Argentina is set to see a significant military boost as the US government looks to sign off on a nearly $1bn deal providing the South American country with F-16 fighter jets.
The State Department has given the green light for a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Argentina, including F-16 Aircraft Equipment and Support, along with related logistics and program support elements.
The estimated cost of this deal is a staggering $941 (£728) million. It comes amid heated rhetoric over the Falkland Islands, which Argentina claims.
The proposed sale will bolster the US foreign policy goals and national security objectives by enhancing the security of the non-NATO ally, which the US says contributes to political stability and economic progress in South America.
The State Department said: “The suggested sale will boost Argentina’s ability to tackle current and future threats by providing additional capacity for air defence, offensive counter-air, and close air support operations.”
American manufacturers will also provide Buenos Aires with guided missiles, bombs, countermeasures, and communications equipment.
The used Lockheed Martin F-16s, reportedly worth £31 million, are being bought from Denmark as part of a deal signed in April. Spare parts, aircraft sustainment services, and aerial refuelling services will support the fleet.
Argentina also requested 36 Raytheon AIM-120 C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, 102 Mk-82 226kg general purpose bombs, and 50 Raytheon GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs.
Recently, Argentine President Javier Milei has tried to foster a stronger connection with the US by distancing himself from China and Russia.
Argentina’s fighter jet supply was decimated in the Falklands War, and further restrictions prevented any UK-made military components from being transferred to the country.
In 2022, Washington began trying to broker a deal for the used F-16s, and a UK policy change allowed sales to Argentina, but only of weapons that are “not detrimental to the UK’s defence and security interests”.
