They took off from Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark and made their first stop in Zaragoza, Spain
This addition represents not only the most significant material upgrade in decades but also a substantial change in the country's military doctrine. With the incorporation of the F-16s, Argentina once again has supersonic interception capability, a role that had remained vacant since the decommissioning of the Mirage fighters.
The first batch of F-16 fighter jets acquired by the Government of Javier Milei from Denmark is currently being transferred to national territory, after departing from Skrydstrup Air Base.
These units will arrive during the upcoming week, marking a milestone that Argentine authorities have been closely monitoring since early November.
After the initial arrival of logistical equipment and essential components at the beginning of the month, the aircraft reception schedule was set for Friday, December 5.
On that day, according to operational forecasts, the first six units will land at an Argentine military base after completing a demanding transatlantic ferry operation that began in Denmark. This is a maneuver planned in several stages and with technical stopovers, including the one carried out in Zaragoza, Spain, where the fighter jets made their first stop.
The first batch consists of four two-seat F-16BM models, identified as M-1004, M-1005, M-1007, and M-1008, along with two single-seat F-16AMs, registrations M-1009 and M-1020. All these aircraft recently completed their final MLU inspection phase in Denmark, after which they received the necessary certification to begin the transfer to South America.
The overall purchase operation includes 24 fully operational aircraft and an additional unit intended for spare parts and ground training, for an amount close to 340 million dollars. Meanwhile, the United States will provide the weapons package, valued at approximately 310 million dollars.
The Ministry of Defense also used its social media to update the progress of the transfer, sharing images and a message about the arrival of the aircraft: "The Argentine F-16s are already on their way," they stated.
They added: "They took off among the clouds from Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark and landed under the sun in Zaragoza, Spain, for their first stop and refueling. Every leg they advance shortens the distance to our skies. Across the country, we share the pride and anticipation of seeing them arrive."
With the arrival of the first group of units, Argentina will begin the adaptation, training, and operational deployment phase of the most modern weapons system incorporated by the Air Force in decades, in what represents one of the most prominent strategic projects of the current libertarian administration in Defense matters.
