Argentina Receives First Batch of Old F-16A/B Fighter Jets from Denmark
Argentina recently received the first batch of old F-16A/B fighter jets from Denmark. Back in October 2024, under U.S. influence, Argentina canceled its preliminary agreement to purchase Chinese fighter jets and instead finalized a deal to acquire 24 nearly 40-year-old F-16 jets for just $300 million. Denmark committed to delivering the jets after necessary upgrades per the agreement.
Additionally, the U.S. Biden administration approved a separate $941 million weapons package, program, and logistics support for these 24 jets. This package includes AIM-120C-8 series air-to-air missiles and other essential weaponry. Earlier, Argentina explored the possibility of procuring India's Tejas and the Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 fighter jets, but U.S. intervention led to the cancellation of these deals.
Despite their age, these 24 jets are expected to meet Argentina's air combat fleet requirements for the next 10-12 years. While some jets were delivered in the first batch, Denmark will continue to upgrade and deliver the remaining aircraft progressively between 2025 and 2028. Interestingly, Denmark also delivered a batch of old U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine this December.
Denmark and U.S. Influence on F-16 Supplies
Countries like Denmark, Norway, and others from Nordic Europe aren’t supplying F-16 jets to Ukraine and Argentina for free or at minimal cost. These nations are motivated by agreements ensuring future procurement of advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets from the U.S. at favorable prices and terms.
Global Use of F-16 Fighter Jets
The F-16 Fighting Falcon, first introduced on August 17, 1978, is still actively operated by 25 countries worldwide, including the U.S. It is regarded as one of the most powerful and battle-proven single-engine light combat aircraft in service. The latest and most advanced version of this jet is the F-16V Block 70/72 series.
Since its first flight in 1974, approximately 4,800 F-16 jets of various series have been manufactured globally until December 2023. The U.S. Air Force and Navy alone operate 897 F-16 jets, making them the largest single users. Other significant operators include Egypt (218 jets), Turkey (243), Israel (224), South Korea (167), Greece (154), Taiwan (137, with 56 on order), and Pakistan (75).
Other Notable Operators
Indonesia: 33 jets, Singapore: 60 jets, Jordan: 59 jets, Belgium: 53 jets, Thailand: 50 jets, Poland: 48 jets, Chile: 46 jets, Netherlands: 26 jets, Portugal: 25 jets, Oman: 23 jets, Morocco: 23 jets, Denmark: 43 jets, Iraq: 34 jets, UAE: 76 F-16E (Block 60) and 18 C/D Block-52 ,Interestingly, Venezuela, a country aligned with the anti-U.S. bloc, operates 15 F-16A/B series jets.
F-16 Manufacturing Beyond the U.S.
The F-16 is manufactured or assembled in several countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, South Korea, Japan, and Turkey. For example:
South Korea: Produced locally by Samsung.
Japan: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries co-manufactures the F-16, branding it as the F-2 after certain upgrades. However, no country can export F-16 jets to another nation without U.S. approval. ##Sources: Wikipedia, The Defense Post
