Argentina has taken delivery of its first six F-16 fighter jets, marking the most significant modernization for the Air Force since the Falklands/Malvinas War. This acquisition, made in April 2024 from Denmark, is a concrete step toward equipping the nation's military capabilities to those of neighboring countries, especially Chile and Brazil. The total investment for the deal is approximately $650 million. The fourth-generation aircraft represent a qualitative leap over previous technology. The purchase of F-16s is not only a military but also a political move, showcasing the clear strategic alignment of the government of Javier Milei with the United States under President Donald Trump. Minister of Defense Luis Petri, who spearheaded the project, will conclude his tenure with a ceremony to mark the occasion. While the Air Force celebrates this milestone, uncertainty remains over who will succeed Petri at the Ministry of Defense. Two individuals are frequently mentioned as potential successors: Luciana Carrasco, a lawyer and current Chief of Staff to the Minister, and Brigadier General Xavier Julián Isaac, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces.
