The first six of a total of 24 Danish F-16 aircraft have been handed over to Argentina. The handover marks the start of a multi-year collaboration where Denmark will gradually replace its F-16s with F-35s. The ceremony was conducted in Argentina with the presence of the defence ministers from both countries.
According to the Danish Ministry of Defence, Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen participated in a ceremony on 5 December in Argentina, where six Danish F-16s were handed over to the Argentine Air Force. The handover is part of the defence agreement between Denmark and Argentina, which includes a total of 24 F-16 aircraft to be delivered in stages until 2028.
– I am pleased that we can hand over our F-16s to Argentina. The fighter aircraft have been a solid part of the Danish Air Force both nationally and internationally. I hope they will serve Argentina as well as they have served Denmark, says Troels Lund Poulsen, Danish Defence Minister.
In the Argentine Air Force's press release, it is stated that the aircraft arrived at Rio IV Material Area after a journey via Spain and Brazil. The overflight was conducted with the support of the US Air Force's aerial refuelling aircraft KC-135 Stratotanker.
In connection with the visit, Denmark announced that the Danish embassy in Argentina will be reopened.