Argentina's Ministry of Defense received this Friday the first 6 F-16 combat aircraft, incorporated by the country as part of the process of 'comprehensive modernization of the defense system'. Minister of Defense Luis Petri led the official reception of these first aircraft, which will be destined for the Área Material Río Cuarto, in Córdoba province. Petri led the official ceremony. 'This arrival symbolizes a strategic milestone that consolidates the recovery of supersonic interception capability and strengthens the defense of national airspace,' the Government highlighted in a communiqué. The first six aircraft are in the country. As reported by the Argentine News Agency, the official activities related to the arrival and presentation of the first 6 F-16 combat aircraft will take place this Saturday in Córdoba. 'The low-altitude flight over the city of Buenos Aires, planned as part of the activities prior to the official event, will also be held tomorrow, Saturday, December 6, between 8:00 and 8:15 as scheduled,' the Government announced, having moved the event from next Sunday to tomorrow due to weather conditions. The schedule of activities At 8:00, there will be a flyover of the Casa Rosada from east to west at two thousand feet, continuing along Avenida de Mayo to the height of Plaza Miserere. At 08:05, a 'turn to the west to reposition and flyover of the Jorge Newbery Aeropark' is planned; at 08:10, in turn, there will be a 'farewell pass along Avenida 9 de Julio, again from South to North'. The official presentation ceremony for the F-16s will be held at the Área Material Río Cuarto, with the presence of Milei, Petri, and the incoming Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Carlos Presti, as well as high-ranking military commanders, although the event is also subject to weather conditions. The Government considers the arrival of the F-16s to be a 'strategic milestone', as they represent the recovery of supersonic interception capability and a key strengthening for the defense of Argentine airspace, after decades of not incorporating aircraft of this category.
