Argentine Air Force

The Argentine Air Force (FAA) is structured around three primary commands: Air Operations, Personnel, and Materiel. The Air Operations Command oversees aerospace defense, planning, and the deployment of its main operational units, the Air Brigades. For years, the force has been in a state of managed decline, a situation precipitated by sustained underfunding that has degraded its operational capabilities. This was most critically demonstrated by the retirement of its Mirage supersonic fighter fleet in 2015, which left the nation without a credible air defense interceptor.

As a result, the FAA's strategic doctrine has been largely theoretical, focusing on maintaining core skills with a limited inventory. For years, its offensive capability was limited to a small number of operational A-4AR Fightinghawk attack aircraft. The bulk of its flight activity centered on the IA-63 Pampa advanced trainer, T-6C+ Texan II trainer, and its transport fleet. Doctrinally, the FAA is re-orienting towards integration with Western partners, as evidenced by its application to become a NATO global partner and its participation in multinational exercises. This reflects a strategic shift towards interoperability and a rebuilding of conventional deterrent capabilities.

A significant modernization effort is underway to reverse decades of capability decay. The cornerstone of this initiative is the acquisition of 24 F-16A/B MLU multi-role fighters from Denmark, a landmark deal that will restore the FAA’s supersonic interception and strike capabilities. The first of these aircraft are anticipated to arrive by the end of 2024, supported by a U.S. FMS sustainment package. To enhance its logistical and Antarctic support reach, the force is also acquiring a Basler BT-67 utility aircraft and has augmented its C-130 Hercules transport fleet. Further procurements include Bell 407GXi helicopters to renew its rotary-wing assets.