# Argentina F-16 fighter jet procurement

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-f-16-fighter-jet-procurement
> Updated: 2026-08-25T14:50:12.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

The Argentine government has initiated measures to modernize its air defense through the acquisition of 24 F-16 fighter jets from Denmark. To protect sensitive technical data regarding the maintenance and weaponry of these aircraft, President Javier Milei issued Decree 735/2026, classifying the export of related materials as military secrets.

While the program includes pilot training in Argentina and the United States, the full integration of the fleet has faced delays. Due to the extensive infrastructure upgrades required at the VI Air Brigade in Tandil and facilities in Río Cuarto—including new runways, hangars, and technical sectors—the aircraft are now not expected to arrive at their final destination until 2028. The government has allocated approximately 20 billion pesos in the 2026 budget to fund these structural and technological updates, aiming to restore combat capabilities lost since the retirement of the Mirage fleet.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Argentina F-16 fighter jet arrival delayed until 2028

Argentina's F-16 fighter jet integration is delayed until 2028 due to required infrastructure upgrades at the Tandil Air Brigade, including new runways and hangars.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-f-16-fighter-jet-arrival-delayed-until-2028

### 2026-08-18: Argentina declares military secrecy over F-16 program and plans security force raises

Argentina has declared military secrecy over F-16 maintenance and export details while preparing salary increases for the Armed Forces and security personnel to combat inflation.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-expands-military-secrecy-over-f-16-fighter-jet-program

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Cite as: Argentina F-16 fighter jet procurement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-f-16-fighter-jet-procurement