Argentina’s First F-16B Spotted in Denmark Before Delivery

Argentina’s long-awaited acquisition of F-16 Fighting Falcons has taken a visible step forward. On September 20, 2025, the first airworthy two-seat F-16B destined for the Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina – FAA) was spotted at Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark. This marks the beginning of a significant modernization effort for Argentina’s aging combat aviation capabilities and reflects broader geopolitical realignments in Latin America.

First Argentine F-16B Sighted at Skrydstrup Air Base

The aircraft observed at Skrydstrup bore Danish Air Force markings and tail number ET-210 but featured a newly applied Argentine roundel on the fuselage. According to open-source intelligence and plane spotters, this jet is one of the initial batch being refurbished under a $320 million deal signed between Argentina and Denmark earlier this year for 24 surplus Block 15 MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) F-16s.

The aircraft was seen undergoing ground tests and engine runs — standard procedures prior to transfer flights. While no official delivery date has been announced by either government or Lockheed Martin (the original manufacturer), sources indicate that initial deliveries are expected before the end of Q4 2025.

Deal Overview: From Danish Surplus to Argentine Service

The deal includes:

24 ex-Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) Block 15 MLU-standard F-16s (including four twin-seat B models)
Spare parts packages and support equipment
Pilot and ground crew training programs in Denmark and potentially the U.S.
Weapons integration support (though missile types remain unconfirmed)

Denmark is divesting its legacy F-16 fleet as it transitions to the fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II under NATO modernization plans. The aircraft offered to Argentina have undergone extensive MLU upgrades that bring them closer to Block 50/52 capabilities in terms of avionics, radar (AN/APG-66(V)2), cockpit displays, and datalink systems — though they lack AESA radars or conformal fuel tanks.

Strategic Significance for Argentina

This acquisition ends over a decade of stagnation in Argentine fighter procurement following years of failed attempts to acquire modern jets from Spain (Mirage F1), South Korea (FA-50), China (JF-17), and India (Tejas). British arms export restrictions had previously blocked deals involving components sourced from UK firms — notably ejector seats — which disqualified many Western platforms.

The U.S.-backed Danish offer circumvented this issue by ensuring all necessary export licenses were cleared through Washington. The sale is widely interpreted as part of broader U.S. efforts to counter Chinese influence in Latin America by anchoring key partners like Argentina within Western defense ecosystems.

Integration Challenges Ahead

The FAA faces significant hurdles integrating the new fleet:

Infrastructure: Bases such as Tandil will require upgrades for maintenance facilities, hardened shelters, and secure data links compatible with NATO-standard systems.
Sustainment: While initial spares are included in the package, long-term sustainment will depend on establishing local MRO capabilities or contracting with regional partners like Chile or Brazil.
Pilot Training: Transitioning from legacy A-4AR Fightinghawks to supersonic multi-role fighters will require extensive retraining under NATO standards — including BVR tactics and Link 16 operations if enabled.

Potential Armament Options Remain Unclear

No official statement has been made regarding weapons packages accompanying the jets. However, Block 15 MLU-configured F-16s are typically compatible with a range of U.S.-origin munitions including:

AIM-9M/X Sidewinder short-range AAMs
AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range AAMs (if authorized)
Paveway II/III laser-guided bombs

The inclusion of AIM-120 would mark a major leap in FAA air-to-air capability but may be subject to further congressional approval or phased introduction due to regional sensitivities.

Danish Drawdown Continues; More Transfers Likely?

This transfer is part of Denmark’s broader drawdown plan as it retires its entire fleet of over three dozen legacy F-16s by mid–2026. Some aircraft have already been pledged or delivered to Ukraine under separate arrangements via European intermediaries such as the Netherlands and Norway.

If successful, Argentina’s program could serve as a model for other Global South nations seeking affordable fourth-generation fighters via Western surplus channels rather than turning toward Chinese or Russian alternatives. It also opens potential future cooperation between FAdeA (Argentina’s state aerospace firm) and Lockheed Martin on sustainment or even limited upgrade paths domestically.

Outlook: Operational Entry by Late 2026?

If integration timelines hold — including pilot conversion training starting Q1–Q2 2026 — the first operational squadron could reach IOC status by late next year. Full operational capability across all units may take until late 2027 depending on logistics pipelines and armament approvals.

This milestone marks not only a hardware upgrade but also a strategic pivot for Buenos Aires toward closer alignment with NATO-interoperable standards after decades operating largely isolated platforms like Mirage III/V derivatives and domestically modified Skyhawks. How well this transition succeeds will depend heavily on sustained political commitment beyond initial delivery ceremonies.