Argentina receives second batch of Danish F-16s, fleet reaches 12

Argentina has received a second batch of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters from Denmark, bringing its fleet to 12 aircraft, according to Top Aces, the Canadian contractor that handles training for the Argentinian air force.

The six jets flew from Denmark to South America and join an initial six F-16A/Bs handed over in late 2025. Top Aces confirmed the arrival on 5 October.

Top Aces holds a two-year training contract worth $33 million, with an option for a third year. The programme covers initial qualification on the single-engine fighter and certification in more advanced skills, including mission qualification, flight lead and instructor pilot status.

Training is flown on Argentinian air force aircraft, not on F-16s owned by Top Aces. The company says its own privately held F-16 fleet, which it calls the only one of its kind, provides adversary air training to Western air forces and currently works solely with US fifth-generation fighter squadrons.

Argentina plans to take 24 second-hand F-16s from Denmark in total, mixing single-seat A-models with two-seat B-variants. Denmark has retired its legacy F-16s and moved to the newer F-35A. Its former fleet is being split between Argentina and Ukraine, which is receiving 19 aircraft at no cost, while Buenos Aires reportedly paid $40 million for its 24 jets. A $1 billion Foreign Military Sales request from Argentina, covering weapons for the fighters, was approved in 2024.