Argentina Secures Deal to Purchase Surplus F-16 Jets from Denmark

 Argentina has finalized an agreement to acquire 24 surplus F-16 fighter jets from Denmark as part of the latter's transition to newer F-35 aircraft. The deal was sealed during a signing ceremony in Buenos Aires, where Argentine Defense Minister Luis Petri and his Danish counterpart Troels Lund Poulsen inked a letter of intent.

Denmark's decision to sell its F-16 jets to Argentina follows its donation of 19 such jets to Ukraine. The transaction, described as a "possible sale," has been conducted with close coordination with the American government, which has approved the transfer of these US-produced aircraft.

Sources within the Argentine military, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Argentina will pay approximately $320 million for the acquisition. Financing for the deal will involve loans from banks and the United States. Additionally, the agreement encompasses not only the aircraft but also includes weapon systems and other equipment from US manufacturers, with Denmark providing simulators and spare parts.

The final contract is expected to be signed by the end of April in Copenhagen. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency will oversee the transfer of weapon systems, including AIM-120 missiles, through the Foreign Military Sales program. Meanwhile, Denmark's Acquisition and Logistics Organisation will manage the transfer of surplus F-16s, while Argentina's military logistics directorate will supervise the procurement process.

Negotiations for this deal began under Argentina's previous government, exploring the possibility of procuring JF-17 fighter jets manufactured jointly by China and Pakistan. However, concerns about potential implications for US military relations led to the rejection of the JF-17 acquisition, paving the way for the purchase of F-16s from Denmark.

LCA Tejas Mark 1A Completes Maiden Flight in Bengaluru: Milestone for Indigenous Fighter Aircraft

 The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) successfully conducted the inaugural flight of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet in Bengaluru, as reported by news agency ANI. HAL officials confirmed that the Made in India LCA Mark 1A completed its first flight, remaining airborne for 15 minutes.

HAL Chairman Ananthakrishnan highlighted the significance of this achievement, emphasizing its contribution towards delivering the aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Additionally, HAL aims to deliver another LCA trainer aircraft to the IAF before March 31, following the successful completion of four trainer-version aircraft deliveries.

The fighter aircraft is expected to be stationed at Nal airbase in Rajasthan's Bikaner, near the Pakistan border, with plans for deployment of the first squadron at the Nal airbase. The agency also reported HAL's commitment to delivering the first twin-seater trainer version aircraft to the IAF by the end of March.

The IAF has signed a contract worth over ₹48,000 crore with HAL for the supply of 83 LCA planes, with clearance for an additional 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets. Notably, the Indian Air Force already operates two squadrons equipped with the light combat aircraft Tejas.

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari hailed the clearance of the LCA Tejas Mark 1A as a "landmark event," highlighting its significance in bolstering the Indian Air Force's capabilities. With plans to increase the fleet to 220 LCA Mark 1As, the Indian Air Force is set to enhance its operational strength with nearly ten squadrons equipped with these indigenous fighter jets.