In a significant move for Argentina’s defense capabilities, the government has finalized a deal to purchase 24 F-16 jets from Denmark for an estimated $300 million. The announcement was made by President Javier Milei and Defense Minister Luis Petri via a video posted on Tuesday.
Petri hailed the acquisition as a pivotal step in Argentina’s defense policy, emphasizing the importance of bolstering the country’s military strength. “With these new aircraft, we are taking a transcendental step in our defense policy,” Petri stated from Copenhagen. “From today, Argentines, we once again have forces from heaven to protect us.”
While Milei was initially scheduled to attend the contract signing in Denmark, he opted to cancel his trip to address pressing matters concerning the crisis in the Middle East, according to government sources.
Government spokesman Manuel Adorni highlighted that the $300 million agreement was secured below market cost, marking it as a strategic investment amid the administration’s broader efforts to address economic imbalances.
The purchase, originally from the U.S., underscores the government’s commitment to promoting investment in strengthening Argentina’s military capabilities, as stated in a government release.
In addition to the jets, the deal encompasses the delivery of four flight simulators, eight engines, and spare parts for the aircraft over a span of five years.
