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Argentina's government approves Air Force modernization program.
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World Defense & Security News - Argentina
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Argentina's government approves Air Force modernization program
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The president of Argentina Mauricio Macri approved yesterday a $2.5 bn modernization program for the country's armed forces. Besides new patrol vessels for the Navy and armored vehicles and combat rifles for the Army, the government plans to purchase new training aircraft, new fighter jets and new tactical transport aircraft, the President announced on Dec. 13.
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 FAA's OA-4AR and A-4R Fightinghawk aircraft(Credit: FAA) |
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The country's Defense Minister Julio Martínez revealed yesterday that he obtained the presidential green light to launch a series of government-to-government tenders to be financed with foreign credits. According Martínez, these purchases "will not impact on this (2017) budget, but only for those of 2018 and 2019."
Argentina plans to purchase 12 more basic training aircraft to complete its actual fleet of Tucanos and Grob G120TPs. But the main problem remains the lack of fighter jets, since the Argentine Air Force (FAA) has been left without supersonic combat aircraft during previous governments. Once formalized, this purchase would be the first of the last 40 years. The FAA's fleet of combat aircraft is currently composed of three Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawks and 25 IA 58 Pucará close air support turboprop aircraft. Four medium-lift transport aircraft will also be bought to consolidate the three C-130 Hercules airlifters in service with the FAA. According to local medias, the Alenia C-27J Spartan and the Airbus C295 would be among the favorite platforms. |
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