Defense and attack systems: This is the F-16 aircraft that Argentina bought from Denmark

Argentina had not renewed its fighters since the French Mirages, which played a key role during the Malvinas War, were retired in November 2017 at an event at Tandil’s VI Air Brigade after 43 years of service. They were deprogrammed in 2015 and no purchases were made to replace them for 9 years. Finally this Tuesday was signed in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, the purchase of 24 F16 Fighting Falcon units, of which 16 are single-seat (AM) and 8 two-seat (BM) that will serve as reinforcements. Defense system in our country.

F-16 systems acquired from Denmark include Single-seat and two-seat units for advanced training of pilots, weapons and support equipment. This aircraft of North American origin has the characteristics of a multirole aircraft with air-to-air and air-to-ground combat functions. The agreement also includes delivery Four flight simulators, eight engines and spare parts for the aircraft will be guaranteed for five years. In addition, the contract provides for the training of pilots and mechanics who will work on this weapon system.

They excel in the air combat role and in maneuverability and combat radius (the distance they can fly to engage, stop, fight and return to air combat). According to the US Air Force website, in these aspects they surpass all potential threat fighters.

The F-16 can detect targets in all weather conditions and detect low-flying aircraft on terrain radar. They are able to fly more than 500 miles (804,672 kilometers), launch their weapons with superior accuracy, defend against enemy aircraft, and return to their starting point. Are able to defend against and return to their starting point of departure.

They are 14.8 meters long, 9.8 meters wide and 4.80 meters high. Without frames in the cockpit they allow excellent visibility for pilots. Each weighs 8,936 kilograms and according to a presentation video made on the social network Instagram by two vice commodores of the Argentine Air Force, “The size of the aircraft and its characteristics are striking. They are accompanied by an infrared and optical designation pot, which is one of the main sensors along with the radar.

They have two 370-gallon fuel tanks and one 300-gallon fuel tank, and this gives them an autonomy of more than two and a half hours in combat. They were manufactured by Lockheed Martin and reach speeds of 2500 kilometers per hour. The fuselage is made of easy-to-maintain materials with aluminium, steel and titanium alloys.

Although these were purchased by the Danish Air Force almost four decades ago All the aircraft went through a repair and renovation process, making them equipped with state-of-the-art technology.,

The two characteristics that the Argentine army highlights lie in carrying capacity. “To be truly multi-role it must have the ability to carry a variety of weapons. For survivability, it includes pylons with missile detectors and radar jammers,” details Vice Commodore Giacomoglia in the video. He added, “It allows you to maintain your weapons and increase your survivability.”

The F-16 has an all-weather capability that allows it to deliver munitions with precision during non-visual bombing situations. When designing these, advanced aerospace science and proven reliable systems from other aircraft such as the F-15 and F-111 were selected. These were combined to simplify the aircraft and reduce its size, purchase price, maintenance costs and weight. The light weight of the torso is achieved without reducing its strength. With a full load of internal fuel, the F-16 can withstand up to nine G (nine times the force of gravity), which exceeds the capability of other existing fighters.

Danish F-16 aircraft have undergone several modernizations since they entered service in 1980, including structural reinforcement, installation of new sensors, cockpit layout, satellite navigation system, new electronic self-protection and detection of other aircraft. Integration of precision weapons. The modifications guarantee the operational efficiency of the aircraft. Denmark is already in the process of replacing 60 aircraft of this type with F-35 Joint Strike Fighter model aircraft manufactured in the United States.

According to the schedule drawn up between the parties, the first four two-seater F16s and two single-seaters will arrive in Argentina in 2025. And three years later, in 2028, the entire fleet will be available.