Javier Milei will deploy the F-16 planes for the security operation during the visit of Pope Leo XIV

The Government of Javier Milei established a strong aerospace security operation for the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Argentina, scheduled between November 8 and 11, 2026.

The measure includes the deployment of F-16 fighter jets from the Air Force and authorizes military authorities to use force, including the downing of aircraft, in the face of threats that endanger the population or strategic targets.

The decision was formalized through Decree 1334/2026, signed by the President, which expands the intervention powers of the Armed Forces during airspace protection operations.

The regulation will be in effect during the four days of the papal visit and includes the creation of restricted operation zones in Buenos Aires and Córdoba, in addition to the areas involved in official activities in Luján.

One of the central aspects of the provision is the authorization to down or destroy external-origin aircraft declared hostile and that do not respond to identification, interception, and warning orders. The use of force, however, will be considered a last resort and must respond to a specific threat.

Who can authorize the downing of aircraft

The decree establishes a specific procedure to determine when an aircraft poses a threat. The declaration of hostility will be the responsibility of the joint aerospace commander, who must immediately inform the Minister of Defense and the authorities involved in the operation.

The approval to apply the rules that allow the use of force will be the responsibility of the Minister of Defense. Milei delegated this authority exclusively for the period between November 8 and 11, although the President will retain the power to personally make the decision at any time.

The regulation contemplates military intervention when a hostile act is verified, such as an armed attack or an imminent threat to use an aircraft as a weapon against people, vital national interests, or strategic objectives.

Before reaching a potential downing action, the instances of identification, interception, warning, and landing order must be exhausted.

What the decree establishes for civil aircraft

The provision also sets particular conditions for civil aircraft. In these cases, the use of force will only be permitted in the event of an armed attack or an imminent and certain threat to the lives of individuals that cannot be neutralized by other means.

The text clarifies that disobedience to the instructions of authorities will not be sufficient reason to order the downing of a civil aircraft. In those circumstances, measures such as interception and landing orders must be applied.

The joint aerospace commander will be responsible for coordinating with the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) the restrictions on air traffic in the established zones.

The decree contemplates three modalities of control: coordination in the event of irregularities, direct subordination of air traffic services to the aerospace command, and total comprehensive control, which will allow clearing the airspace of civil aircraft to facilitate exclusively military operations in more complex situations.

The provisions will come into effect on November 8 and will end on November 11 inclusive.