Argentina F-16 fighter jet arrival delayed until 2028

The Argentine Air Force faces delays in integrating its new fleet of 24 F-16 fighter jets acquired from Denmark. Due to necessary infrastructure upgrades at the VI Air Brigade in Tandil, the aircraft are not expected to arrive at their final destination until 2028.

Required works include the construction of a new central runway, new hangars, and the modernization of technical sectors, maintenance areas, electrical systems, and ammunition depots. The 2026 budget has allocated 20 billion pesos to fund the technological and structural updates at both the Tandil and Río Cuarto facilities.

While infrastructure improvements continue, pilot training is currently underway in Arizona, United States, and Córdoba, Argentina, utilizing simulators and solo flights. The government aims to recover combat capabilities lost following the retirement of the Mirage fleet in 2015, targeting a 25-year operational lifespan for the new system.