Argentina sues defense contractor Thales over unauthorized flights

The Argentine National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) has filed a criminal complaint in federal court against the defense and cybersecurity multinational Thales. The legal action follows two unauthorized flights conducted between September 19 and September 24, 2026, involving a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air with British registration G-FPLD.

The aircraft reportedly flew between Punta Arenas, Chile, and the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) without requesting or receiving permission to traverse Argentine sovereign airspace. Federal Judge Sebastián Ramos and Prosecutor Ramiro González are leading the investigation into the matter.

Concerns regarding potential espionage have been raised due to Thales's dual role: the company provides technical support at the Mount Pleasant military base in the Falkland Islands while simultaneously managing critical radar and avionics systems for the Argentine Army and Air Force. While Thales acknowledged ownership of the aircraft, the company declined to disclose the purpose of the flights, citing contractual confidentiality.

Beyond aviation violations, Argentine authorities have suggested a possible link between these flights and unauthorized hydrocarbon exploration in the surrounding waters, though formal connections to drilling operations have not yet been established in court.