Javier Milei unveiled six F-16s, the first in a fleet of 24 aircraft ordered by Argentina. Presented as "guardian angels", these American fighters must strengthen the country's air force, replacing the French Mirages withdrawn in 2017.

Published on: 06/12/2025 - 21:53

Javier Milei all smiles at the command of an F-16. The Argentine president presented six combat aircraft purchased in Denmark on Saturday, December 6, during a ceremony during which he described them as "guardian angels" who will strengthen Argentina's armed forces.

These aircraft are part of 24 F-16 fighters purchased last year for around $300 million, which the Milei government then considered "the most important military acquisition in the last 50 years of Argentine history."

"After a long wait, I finally have the first six F-16 fighter jets behind me. With this important investment, we will significantly strengthen our air force," President Milei said in Río Cuarto, about 600 kilometers from Buenos Aires.

Replacing the French Mirage

After the ceremony, the president boarded one of the aircraft which, before landing in Río Cuarto, had flown at low altitude over the Argentine capital.

“Hundreds of thousands of Argentines were able to look up and see their guardian angels in the sky for the first time,” declared the head of state.

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The American-made F-16s will replace French Mirages, the last examples of which were retired in 2017, after four decades of service.

with AFP

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