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In a multi-billion dollar deal, the US approves the sale of F-16s to Argentina, increasing its military power and consolidating a strategic partnership in South America. With cutting-edge equipment and technology, the country gains in defense capabilities, while Lockheed Martin conducts logistics and training.
In a surprising deal worth billions, the United States has approved the sale of equipment and support for F-16 combat aircraft to Argentina, revealing a strategic move that promises to change the configuration of forces in South America.
Although the region does not have a history of intense conflicts, growing concerns about security and stability are leading neighboring countries to reinforce their defenses, especially with the support of important nations such as the United States.
The agreement, which includes a range of weapons, ammunition and cutting-edge technology, reflects Argentina's quest for a greater air defense presence and marks a step forward in its strategic partnership with the U.S. government.
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The U.S. State Department, which approved the sale, estimated the value of the contract at about $941 million.
F-16 and weapons: what did Argentina buy?
According to the US State Department, the approved sales package includes a vast arsenal. Among the items, 24 F-16 Block 10/15 aircraft stand out, acquired through third-party transfers.
In addition to the aircraft, 36 AIM-120 C-8 AMRAAM missiles (medium-range weapons) were included, used for aerial combat.
To complement the military equipment, the contract also includes MK-82 bombs, laser-guided bomb components, fuse systems, radios, mission planning systems, among other accessories and equipment.
The support also ranges from training ammunition to encrypted communication devices, which increase the response capacity of Argentine air forces to aerial threats and armed conflict situations.
According to the announcement, this equipment will help defend airspace and enable the country to maintain offensive counterattack and close air support operations, a need that has long been discussed among Argentine defense planners.
Argentina wins with support from aviation giant
To manage the production and shipment of the equipment, the United States signed a contract with Lockheed Martin, one of the largest companies in the world. tech and military aviation in the world, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas.
This multinational, which has stood out for its billion-dollar projects and contracts, will be responsible for providing all the logistics and technical support so that the delivery and integration process takes place according to the established schedule.
Lockheed Martin, known for the quality and innovation of its products in the aviation market military, It will also be responsible for providing training for Argentine personnel, in addition to offering technical support for the installation and maintenance of new systems.
This partnership strengthens the company's role in the South American continent, while solidifying the military ties between Argentina and the United States, countries that have intensified their partnerships in recent years.
Politics and security in Latin America
This movement reinforces an important point in North American security policies: Argentina has a strategic role for the United States as an ally on the continent, especially as a country outside of NATO that demonstrates importance in maintaining political stability in the region.
According to sources linked to the US State Department, this sale of equipment contributes not only to the strengthening of Argentina, but also to continental security.
This operation is part of US security policy, which seeks to develop defense ties with countries considered strategic allies, expanding North American influence and promoting regional stability.
Security experts say this support will allow Argentina to carry out more complex operations and combat potential threats in the air.
According to these analysts, increased air defense capabilities can also deter external threats, increasing security in the country and adjacent areas.
Impacts and regional balance of forces
The sale was carefully planned so as not to destabilize the basic military balance in Latin America. Still, Argentina’s increased military power puts pressure on its neighbors, who may seek alternatives to maintain a competitive defense.
However, according to the US, this transaction is not aimed at an arms escalation, but rather a response to Argentina's need to have a modern and robust defense, capable of facing the challenges of the current scenario..
For Argentina, the main gain is the possibility of obtaining modern equipment that is compatible with its military operations without having to make major internal adjustments.
According to US sources, the integration of the system into the Argentine armed forces will occur gradually, without requiring the designation of new US representatives in the country.
What do you think: could this partnership between Argentina and the US to strengthen air defense trigger an arms race in South America?
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