- Argentina received its first six F-16 fighter jets acquired from Denmark, marking the Air Force’s return to supersonic capability.
- President Javier Milei and Minister Luis Petri officially presented the aircraft following a flyover that drew large public crowds.
Six F-16 Fighting Falcons touched down in Argentina on Saturday morning, marking a major milestone in the modernization of the Argentine Air Force and the country’s return to supersonic combat aviation after more than a decade.
The arrival was confirmed by the Argentine Air Force, which stated, “Mission accomplished: the F-16s have landed on Argentine soil.” The aircraft flew in formation over Buenos Aires before arriving at Área Material Río IV, where they were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute.
“Today, six F-16 aircraft flew through our skies for the first time and arrived at Área Material Río IV,” the Air Force said in an official post. “They were welcomed with the traditional water arc.”
Thousands of spectators, including families, children, and veterans, gathered across Buenos Aires to witness the low-altitude flyby of the new jets. “From very early, a crowd watched them in the sky. Families, children, grandparents — all saw them fly so close, felt the sound of their engines, and shared something unique,” the Ministry of War said in a statement. “It was a morning of celebration, a historic day for the country.”
The jets, recently acquired from Denmark under a government-to-government agreement facilitated by the United States, were officially presented by Argentine President Javier Milei and Minister of War Luis Petri.
“Today, Argentina once again has supersonic fighter jets,” the ministry said. “A major achievement of President Milei, who spearheaded the most important military investment in decades to equip our Air Force and defend the Argentine people with these new guardians of national airspace.”
President Milei and Minister Petri congratulated the pilots for their performance during the long-distance ferry flight from Denmark to Argentina, as well as for the precision flyby over the capital city. “An extraordinary demonstration of capabilities,” the statement added.
U.S. Ambassador to Argentina Marc Stanley also welcomed the delivery, calling it “a historic milestone” for the Argentine Air Force. In a post on social media, he wrote: “The F-16s have arrived in Argentina! It is a proud moment to celebrate the arrival of the first six F-16s acquired from Denmark — a historic milestone for the Argentine Air Force and a clear signal of the exceptional moment in our bilateral relations.”
“This partnership strengthens regional security, supports Argentina’s sovereignty, and shows our shared commitment to peace and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere,” Stanley said.
The F-16s, originally flown by the Royal Danish Air Force, were selected by Argentina after a multiyear process involving bids from several countries. The fleet will form the core of Argentina’s new air defense capability, replacing aging Mirage and A-4 aircraft that have long struggled with limited serviceability.