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Argentina Acquires 24 F-16 Jets from Denmark in $300 Million Defense Deal

Denmark sells 24 F-16 jets to Argentina for $300 million, marking a significant US-approved defense deal to modernize Argentine military.

By Mackenzie Crow

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3/26, 20:04 EDT
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Key Takeaway

  • Denmark sells 24 F-16 jets to Argentina for $300 million, marking a significant defense upgrade for Argentina under President Milei.
  • The deal, approved by the US, signifies a strategic pivot in Argentina's military modernization and global alliances.
  • This sale reflects broader geopolitical shifts and the US's influence over defense dynamics in the face of competition from China.

Historic Defense Agreement

Denmark has agreed to sell 24 of its F-16 warplanes to Argentina for an estimated 2.1 billion kroner ($300 million), marking a significant defense purchase for the South American nation under President Javier Milei. This deal, approved by the US, signifies Argentina's first major defense acquisition in recent years. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen and his Argentine counterpart, Luis Petri, formalized the agreement in Buenos Aires, highlighting a move towards strengthening Argentina's military capabilities amidst global neutrality.

Strategic Military Modernization

Argentina, under President Milei's administration, is taking steps to modernize its military defenses despite the nation's historical stance of neutrality in global conflicts. This purchase aligns with Milei's strategic pivot towards enhancing relations with the US and Western Europe, diverging from the previous administration's focus on China and Russia. The F-16 jets, produced by the American Lockheed Martin Corp., are part of Denmark's phased replacement of its fleet with F-35 jets, which are currently facing delivery delays due to technological challenges.

Implications for Global Defense Dynamics

The sale has been coordinated closely with the US government, reflecting a broader geopolitical context where Argentina has been seeking to replace its retired Dassault Mirage III fighters since 2015. The approval by the US for this transfer indicates a shift in the defense equipment landscape, potentially influenced by Argentina's considerations of acquiring fighters from China, a strategic competitor to the US. This move also comes amidst Denmark's commitment to supporting Ukraine by donating 19 F-16 planes, despite facing its own challenges with delayed F-35 deliveries.