President Javier Milei on Saturday hailed the arrival of Argentina's first six F-16 jets purchased from Denmark, describing them as "guardian angels" that will strengthen the country's Armed Forces.
The US-built aircraft are among the 24 used supersonic fighters bought last year from Copenhagen for roughly US$300 million – an exchange Milei's government described at the time as Argentina's most important military acquisition in 50 years.
"After a long wait, I finally have behind me the first six F-16 fighter jets," Milei said on the tarmac of a military base in Río Cuarto, Córdoba Province, some 600 kilometres (373 miles) west of Buenos Aires. "Thanks to this significant investment, we will considerably strengthen our air force."
Following a ceremony, Milei boarded one of the F-16 Fighting Falcons – which had flown low over the capital before landing in Río Cuarto – and was seen smiling in the cockpit next to his sister Karina Milei, who serves as his presidential chief-of-staff, and Defence Minister Luis Petri.
"Hundreds of thousands of Argentines were able to look up and see their guardian angels in the sky for the first time," the President said.
"The F-16s are the new guardians of Argentine airspace," he said.
When the sale was announced in April 2024, Argentina's Defence Ministry said the modernised Danish F-16s would form "the backbone of Argentina's air defence system."
They replace Argentina's French Mirage jets, the last of which were retired in 2017 after four decades of service.
The US administration of President Donald Trump, a Milei ally, approved the transfer of F-16s.
The US Embassy in Buenos Aires said in a statement Saturday that Argentina's jet acquisition marks "a major step in the country's efforts to modernise its air capabilities and deepen defence cooperation with the United States."
It said the delivery was the first of four batches, with six additional aircraft to be delivered to Argentina each December through 2028.
US Ambassador to Argentina Peter Lamelas also participated in the welcome ceremony.
“The US supported Argentina throughout the acquisition process, approving the transfer of the US-made aircraft from Denmark and providing US$40 million in Foreign Military Financing to help cover the initial payment for the Foreign Military Sales package, valued at US$560 million,” said the Embassy in a statement.
– TIMES/AFP
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