Emerging at the forefront of military news, revelations continue to unfurl concerning the potential acquisition of the esteemed F-16 Fighting Falcon by the Argentine Air Force. Presently, the spotlight pivots towards the formidable suite of weaponry that the Danish combatants may acquire, should the decision to purchase this formidable aircraft be definitively concluded.
- Argentina retired Super Etendard jets that sank two UK warships
- India puts Russian K-36 ejection seat in Tejas to bar UK impact
- Tejas Mk-1А closer to Argentina, after a deal for 20 Indian helos
In recent times, numerous informed sources have disclosed that the offer proposed encompasses weaponry such as the highly efficient AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, along with precision-guided munitions of the renowned JDAM family.
The proposal concerning the Danish F-16 MLU encompasses a cutting-edge array of short-range and medium-range air-to-air missiles. These include the avant-garde AMRAAM and JDAM which, by their highly advanced specifications, are not only apt for the capabilities of the Danish Fighting Falcon but also align with local requisites. Furthermore, their presence bolsters the potential offerings for the F-16, therefore, warranting serious consideration as an option.
Individuals knowledgeable about the matter have disclosed that the Argentine Air Force awaits a more advantageous proposal concerning the arms supply for the F-16 fighter jet. The proposition, they revealed, satisfies one of the essential stipulations of the Argentine armed aviation body – that of armaments, conveyed Argentine informants.
“The requisition for the armament was duly submitted to the US administration, adhering strictly to the bare minimum stipulations necessary for its advancement to a full-fledged deterrent weapon system.” Brigadier General Xavier Isaac distinctly underlined that the FAA meticulously maintains a fundamental, rudimentary, and definitive prerequisite concerning the weapons sought.
In taking this stance, the Argentine Air Force manifested an explicit assertion that any proposal that fell short of their stipulated criteria would be summarily dismissed as an unfeasible alternative. This was the predicament faced by the Chengdu FC-1 Xiaolong, an aircraft that had consistently exhibited a robust offering in terms of armament. “The plane absolutely fulfills all expectations,” noted Fuerza Aérea Argentina [FAA or Argentine Air Force], acknowledging the undeniable potential inherent in the aircraft. They further remarked, “The proposal involving Chinese financing is indeed impressive,” alluding to the considerable financial backing offered by the Chinese.
In light of the existence of a Chinese alternative, the US proposal is necessitated to surpass that standard, should it aspire to establish itself as the favored contender. As time has elapsed, consequential strides in discussions have been made. There’s a consensus among diverse sources intimately familiar with this intricate matter that the provision of the F-16 Fighting Falcon signifies an overwhelmingly positive advancement. It is indeed a “singular opportunity”, as per the assertion of several esteemed experts vested in the field.
To illuminate the magnitude of the subject, it appears pertinent to revisit noteworthy transactions initiated by the US government. Specifically, their acquiescence for the dispersion of six F-16 Block 10 and a quantity of 32 F-16 Block 15, a transfer transaction computed at an estimated gross value of $338 million. This monumental settlement, however, earmarks residual sums for addressing ancillary components, such as armaments, equipment, support, and infrastructural necessities.
It is within reasonable expectations that several of these constituents — armaments being a case in point — will ultimately concretize through a parallel contract accompanying the primary purchase of aircraft.
It is imperative to note that each situation, while unique, bears similarities with others. In this context, it is especially insightful to revisit the intricate procedure that Romania implemented during the procurement of the F-16 MLU from Portugal and Norway.
This procurement wasn’t confined to the aircraft alone—it extended beyond the mere contractual purchase. It further encompassed an array of accords via Foreign Military Sales that facilitated the acquisition of an assortment of upgrade kits, weapons, auxiliary equipment, and comprehensive support.
In the sixth month of the current year, the countries of Romania and Norway culminated in a meticulous contract, a testament to their unshakeable resolve in fostering defense relationships. The significant purchase of 32 F-16 Fighting Falcon MLUs was concluded—a salient symbol of military power in the present era.
This deal was not confined merely to the aircraft; it further included an assortment of spare components and accompanying maintenance equipment. To ensure the effective utilization of these remarkable machines, comprehensive maintenance, and technical training services, representing an expenditure of 388 million euros, were also a part of this noteworthy transaction.
***
Follow us everywhere and at any time. BulgarianMilitary.com has responsive design and you can open the page from any computer, mobile devices or web browsers. For more up-to-date news, follow our Google News, YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook pages. Our standards: Manifesto & ethical principles.