In 2023, the Argentine Minister of Defense, Luis Alfonso Petro, signed a letter of intent to purchase 24 Danish F-16 fighters. This sale was made possible with the approval and collaboration of the American government, which allowed the sale of US-produced aircraft. The negotiation had been ongoing since the election of Javier Milei, who was seen as pro-American compared to his predecessor, Alberto Fernandéz.
The United States government supported the sale, stating that it reaffirmed their close defense ties and support for Argentina’s modernization efforts. As part of this deal, Denmark also donated 19 F-16 fighters to Ukraine as part of their fleet replacement process. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the importance of the deal for both countries.
Buenos Aires had not had fighter planes since retiring the last French Mirage in 2015. If the purchase worth $664 million is completed, Argentina will reinforce its combat fleet, which currently has 12 American attack planes A-4 Fightinghawks. The acquisition of the Danish F-16 fighters will significantly enhance Argentina’s military capabilities.
