{{Short description|Air warfare branch of Argentina's armed forces}} {{use dmy dates|date=December 2023}} {{more citations needed|date=April 2016}} {{Infobox military unit | unit_name = Argentine Air Force | native_name = {{lang|es|Fuerza Aérea Argentina}} | image = File:Argentine airforce wings emblem (color).svg | image_size = 250 | caption = Argentine Air Force wings | start_date = {{start date and age|1945|01|04|df=yes}} | country = {{flag|Argentina}} | allegiance = | branch = | type = Air force | role = Aerial warfare | size = 13,837 personnel<ref name="personnel">{{cite web|url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2018/03/19/argentina-hace-publica-la-cantidad-de-personal-militar-en-sus-fuerzas/|title=Argentina hace publica la cantidad de personal militar en sus fuerzas|date=19 March 2018|website=zona-militar.com|access-date=19 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428161336/https://www.zona-militar.com/2018/03/19/argentina-hace-publica-la-cantidad-de-personal-militar-en-sus-fuerzas/|archive-date=28 April 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all|language=es}}</ref> | command_structure = Argentine Armed Forces | garrison = | garrison_label = | nickname = FAA | patron = | motto = | colours = | colours_label = | march = {{langx|es|Alas Argentinas}} <br /> "Argentine Wings" | mascot = | anniversaries = 10 August (anniversary) <br /> 1 May (Baptism of fire during the Malvinas War) | equipment = | equipment_label = | battles = * Operation Independence * 1975 Monte Chingolo attack * Falklands War * Gulf War * Operation Uphold Democracy
| decorations = | battle_honours = | battle_honours_label = | flying_hours = | website = {{URL|https://www.argentina.gob.ar/fuerzaaerea|argentina.gob.ar/fuerzaaerea}} <!-- Commanders -->| commander1 = President Javier Milei | commander1_label = Commander-in-Chief | commander2 = Brigadier Major Gustavo Javier Valverde | commander2_label = Chief of General Staff | commander3 = Brigadier Néstor Guajardo | commander3_label = Deputy Chief of General Staff | notable_commanders = <!-- Insignia --> | identification_symbol = 80px 80px | identification_symbol_label = Roundel | identification_symbol_2 = 165px | identification_symbol_2_label = Fin flash <!-- Aircraft -->| aircraft_attack = Pampa | aircraft_bomber = | aircraft_electronic = | aircraft_fighter = F-16 Fighting Falcon | aircraft_helicopter = Bell 412, Bell 212, Hughes 500D, SA315, Mil Mi-171 | aircraft_helicopter_attack = | aircraft_helicopter_cargo = | aircraft_helicopter_multirole = | aircraft_helicopter_observation = | aircraft_helicopter_trainer = | aircraft_helicopter_utility = | aircraft_interceptor = | aircraft_patrol = Tucano | aircraft_recon = Pucará | aircraft_trainer = T-6 Texan II, Tucano, Pampa, Grob 120TP | aircraft_transport = C-130, DHC-6, C-12 Huron | aircraft_tanker = | aircraft_general = }} The '''Argentine Air Force''' ({{langx|es|'''Fuerza Aérea Argentina'''}}, or simply '''''FAA''''') is the air force of Argentina and one of three branches of the Armed Forces of the Argentine Republic. In 2018, it had 13,837 military<ref name="personnel"/> and 6,900 civilian personnel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lokmattimes.com/topics/argentine-air-force/|title=Argentine air force, Armed forces|website=Lokmat Times}}</ref> The FAA commander in chief is Brigadier Gustavo Valverde.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BOLETIN OFICIAL REPUBLICA ARGENTINA - MINISTERIO DE DEFENSA - Decreto 1044/2024 |url=https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/317358/20241126 |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=www.boletinoficial.gob.ar}}</ref>
==History== thumb|left|FAA F-86 Sabre
The Air Force's history began with the establishment of the Army Aviation Service's ''Escuela de Aviación Militar'' ('Military Aviation School') on 10 August 1912.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Fuerza Aérea Argentina|url=https://www.faa.mil.ar/historia/index_historia.html|date=2018-09-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903131932/https://www.faa.mil.ar/historia/index_historia.html|access-date=2020-05-20|archive-date=2018-09-03}}</ref>
=== Interwar period === {{expand section|date=August 2015}}
Throughout the years following World War I, the predecessor to the Argentine Air Force received various aircraft from France and Italy. In 1922, the {{lang|es|Escuela Militar de Aviación}} was temporarily disbanded, resulting in the formation of {{lang|es|Grupo 1 de Aviación}} ('Aviation Group One') as an operational unit. During 1925, the {{lang|es|Escuela Militar de Aviación}} was reopened, and the {{lang|es|Grupo 3 de Observación}} ('Observation Group Three') created, with {{lang|es|Grupo 1 de Aviación}} becoming known as {{lang|es|Grupo 1 de Observación}} shortly after.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}
In 1927, the General Aeronautics Authority ({{lang|es|Dirección General de Aeronáutica}}) was created to coordinate the country's military aviation. In that same year, the Fábrica Militar de Aviones (lit. 'Military Aircraft Factory', FMA), which would play a crucial role in the country's aviation industry, was founded in Córdoba.<ref name=":0" /> Despite that, throughout the 1930s, Argentina acquired various aircraft from the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}
thumb|FMA-built Curtiss-Hawk 75O
<!-- Not in the spanish version -->By 1938–39, Argentina's air power consisted of roughly 3,200 personnel (including about 200 officers) and maintained approximately 230 aircraft.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}} Roughly 150 of these were operated by the army and included Dewoitine D.21 and Curtiss P-36 Hawk fighters; Breguet 19 reconnaissance planes; Northrop A-17 and Martin B-10 bombers, North American NA-16 trainers, Focke-Wulf Fw 58 multi-role planes, Junkers Ju 52 transports, and Fairchild 82s.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}} Approximately 80 out of the 230 aircraft present were operated by the navy and included the Supermarine Southampton, Supermarine Walrus, Fairey Seal, Fairey III, Vought O2U Corsair, Consolidated P2Y, Curtiss T-32 Condor II, Douglas Dolphin, and Grumman J2F Duck.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-first=R. |editor1-last=Schnitzler |editor2-first=G.W. |editor2-last=Feuchter |editor3-first=R. |editor3-last=Schulz |title=Handbuch der Luftwaffe |edition=3rd |language=de |trans-title=Aviation Manual |publisher=J. F. Lehmanns Verlag |location=Munich and Berlin |year=1939 |pages=13}}</ref>
=== World War II and immediate post-war === The first step towards establishing the Air Force as a separate branch of the Armed Forces was taken during 11 February 1944 to establish the Aeronautical Command-in-Chief (''Comando en Jefe de Aeronáutica'') directly under the mandate of the Department of War. This later became the Argentine Air Force by decree on 4 January 1945, which also created the Secretary of Aeronautics (''Secretaría de Aeronáutica'').<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fuerzaaerea.mil.ar/historia/enero.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080221233458/http://www.fuerzaaerea.mil.ar/historia/enero.html|title=4 de enero|access-date=2020-05-20|archive-date=2008-02-21}}</ref>
At the end of World War II, the Air Force began a process of modernization. This 'golden age' (roughly 1945–1955) was ushered in by the availability of foreign currency in Argentina, an abundance of now-unemployed aerospace engineers from Germany, Italy, and France, and the British provision of latest-generation engines alongside other aircraft parts. In his first term, President Juan Perón brought teams of European engineers to the FMA, then known as the ''Instituto Aerotécnico'' ('Aerotechnical Institute'), or I.Ae., to promote aircraft technological development. The count totaled to around 750 workers, including two teams of German designers (led by Kurt Tank) and the French engineer Émile Dewoitine.<ref name=":0" />
thumb|left|Argentine Gloster Meteor F.4, {{circa|1955}}
In 1947, the Air Force purchased 100 Gloster Meteor jet fighters. These aircraft were paid for by the United States to partially pay back its debt to Argentina, which had provided them with raw materials during World War II. This purchase caused the Argentine Air Force to become the first in Latin America equipped with jet-propelled combat fighters. In addition, several Avro Lincoln and Avro Lancaster bombers were also acquired.<ref name=":0" />
thumb|200px|right|The Pulqui II second prototype (No. 02), c. 1951
The Air Force, with former Luftwaffe officers as consultants{{citation needed|date=August 2015}} and with the European teams that Perón had brought, also began to develop its own aircraft, including the I.Ae. 27 Pulqui I and the I.Ae. 33 Pulqui II jet fighter prototypes.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peck |first1=Michael |title=In the 1950s, Argentina Tried To Build a Nazi Fighter Jets |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/1950s-argentina-tried-build-nazi-fighter-jets-172579 |website=The National Interest |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=8 December 2020}}</ref> These manufactures gave Argentina the positions of the first country in Latin America and the sixth in the world to develop jet fighter technology on its own.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} Other Argentina-developed aircraft included the prototypes the I.Ae. 23 trainer, the bi-motor fighter I.Ae. 30 Ñancú, and the assault glider I.Ae. 25 Mañque; and the production twin-engine I.Ae. 35 Huanquero transport, the I. Ae 22 DL advanced trainer, and the I.Ae 24 Calquín twin-engine attack-bomber; as well as rockets, and planes for civilian use (like the FMA 20 El Boyero). {{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}
=== Cold War period ===
==== The ''Revolución Libertadora'' (1955) ==== The Argentine Air Force came into active operation for the first time on June 16, 1955, during the bombing of the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires. Government loyalist Gloster Meteors fought rebel planes that attempted a failed assassination of the President as part of a coup d'état. The plan failed, and the rebels bombed the city and the House of Government.<ref>{{Cite web|title=La Plaza de Mayo tuvo 308 muertos - Criticadigital.com|url=http://www.criticadigital.com.ar/impresa/index.php?secc=nota&nid=26082|date=2010-06-18|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100618004404/http://www.criticadigital.com.ar/impresa/index.php?secc=nota&nid=26082|access-date=2020-05-20|archive-date = 2010-06-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Los bombardeos del '55: Cuando el odio quedó impune|url=https://perio.unlp.edu.ar/archivoperio/node/4291|website=Facultad de Periodismo y Comunicación Social de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata|access-date=2020-05-20}}</ref> In the following September coup, the Air Force supported Perón's government by initiating combat operations and transporting troops and arms<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ruiz Moreno|first= Isidoro J.|title=La revolución del 55 : dictadura, conspiración y caída de Perón|year=2013|publisher= Claridad|isbn=978-950-620-336-8|edition=Cuarta edición|oclc=913745779}}</ref> with a meager five aircraft defecting to the other side.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Cichero, Daniel E.|title=Bombas sobre Buenos Aires : gestación y desarollo del bombardeo aéreo sobre la Plaza de Mayo del 16 de junio de 1955|date=2005|publisher=Vergara Grupo Zeta|isbn=950-15-2347-0|edition=1ra.|location=Barcelona|oclc=68472301}}</ref> After the ''Revolución Libertadora'' succeeded and the coup took place, previously mentioned manufacturing operations ceased and most foreign workers left the country,{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}} including engineer Kurt Tank who went to work in India.<ref>{{cite web|last=Zukowsky|first=John|title=Kurt Tank|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1518056/Kurt-Tank|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref><!-- Was this after the revolution succeeded, presumably? --> Despite claims that the Argentine Air Force "baptism by fire" took place during the Malvinas War (1982), this was actually the first time it entered combat.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}
==== Antarctic support ==== thumb|DHC Beaver equipped with skis for Antarctic operations In 1952, the Argentine Air Force began supplying the country's Antarctic scientific bases using ski-equipped Douglas C-47 aircraft. This mission had previously been entrusted to the Antarctic Task Forces (Fuerzas de Tareas Antárticas, FATA), established by President Juan Domingo Perón.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Frenkel, Leopoldo.|title=Juan Ignacio San Martín: el desarrollo de las industrias aeronáutica y automotriz en la Argentina|date=1992|publisher=L. Frenkel|others=Germano Artes Gráficas|isbn=950-43-4267-1|location=Buenos Aires|pages=41|oclc=27327594}}</ref>
In 1970, the Air Force incorporated the C-130 Hercules into Antarctic operations. Notably, the presidential aircraft—a Fokker F-28 Fellowship—is reported to have been the first jet to land in Antarctica, in 1973.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marambio.aq/primerherculesmarambio.html |title=Primer aterrizaje de un Hércules C-130 en Marambio |access-date=24 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529034716/http://www.marambio.aq/primerherculesmarambio.html |archive-date=29 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.french-polar-team.fr/LU_Marambio_Station_Seymour_Island.php|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107115629/http://www.french-polar-team.fr/LU_Marambio_Station_Seymour_Island.php|url-status=dead|title=Marambio Station|archivedate=January 7, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alfinal.com/Antartida/aniversario.php|title=Aniversario Aéreo de la Antártida Argentina|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224211238/http://www.alfinal.com/Antartida/aniversario.php|archive-date=24 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Since the 1970s, DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft have also been deployed for Antarctic missions. In October 1973, the Air Force launched Operation Transantar, which included the first trans-Antarctic and three-continent flight in history. A C-130 Hercules flew a route connecting Río Gallegos, Base Marambio, Christchurch (New Zealand), and Canberra (Australia).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tierradelfuego.org.ar/v4/_eng/index.php?seccion=5&sub=6&item=26|title=The First Three-Continental and Transantarctic Flight|publisher=Fin del Mundo. Sitio Oficial de la Provincia de Tierra del Fuego, Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001154548/http://www.tierradelfuego.org.ar/v4/_eng/index.php?seccion=5&sub=6&item=26|archive-date=1 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marambio.aq/transpolar/|title=Primer Vuelo Transantártico Tricontinental. Operación "Transantar" (04 al 10-Oct-1973)|publisher=Fundación Marambio|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228181245/http://marambio.aq/transpolar|archive-date=28 February 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Modernization (1960s–1970s) ==== thumb|Arrival of F-86 in September 1960, "Operation SABRE"
In the 1960s, new aircraft were incorporated, including the F-86F Sabre jet fighter and the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk mainly used for ground-attack. During the 1970s, the Air Force re-equipped itself with Mirage III interceptors, IAI Dagger multi-role fighters, and C-130 Hercules cargo planes. A counter-insurgency airplane, the Pucará, was also manufactured and used in substantial numbers.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}} The Air Force also had an important role in the 1976 coup which lead to a military dictatorship that lasted until 1983.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Yofre|first= Juan Bautista|title=1982 : los documentos secretos de la guerra de Malvinas-Falklands y el derrumbe del Proceso|date=2011|publisher=Editorial Sudamericana|isbn=978-950-07-3666-4|location=Buenos Aires|pages=56|oclc=764559333}}</ref>
==== Falklands War (1982) ====
The Falklands War was the first war fought by the Argentine Air Force against an external enemy. Some operational aircraft were obsolete.{{sfn|Quellet|1997|pp=106-108}} However, the airforce came close to winning the war for Argentina.<ref>{{cite book |last1=de la Pedraja |first1=Rene |editor1-last=Robin Higham, Stephen J. Harris |title=Why Air Forces Fail: The Anatomy of Defeat |date=2006 |publisher=University Press of Kentucky |location=Google Books |isbn=9780813167602 |page=232 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oJd2DAAAQBAJ&q=Why+Air+Forces+Fail%3A+The+Anatomy+of+Defeat&pg=PP1 |access-date=28 June 2021}}</ref> During the war, the Air Force division of the Military Junta was called the ''Fuerza Aérea Sur'' (FAS, 'Southern Air Force'), and led by Ernesto Crespo.{{sfn|Quellet|1997|p=797}}
Air engagements began on May 1, 1982<ref>{{Cite web|title=1º de Mayo – Bautismo de fuego de la Fuerza Aérea Argentina|date= 26 April 2018|publisher= Centro Regional Universitario Cordoba IUA|url=https://www.iua.edu.ar/?p=2723|language=es-AR|access-date=2020-05-21}}</ref> with the UK's Royal Air Force initiating Operation Black Buck, in which the Avro Vulcan bomber XM607 attacked military air bases on the islands. The Task Force then sent Sea Harriers to attack positions at Stanley and Goose Green, where the first Argentine casualties occurred.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Historia de la Fuerza Aérea Argentina. Tomo VI: La Fuerza Aérea en Malvinas. Volumen 1. Dirección de Estudios Históricos.|last=Fuerza Aerea Argentina|publisher=Fuerza Aerea Argentina|year=1998|orig-year=1983|isbn=987-96654-4-9}}{{page needed|date=May 2020}}</ref>
On June 8, the Air Force carried out an operation in Bluff Cove. The British were using the landing ships RFA ''Sir Galahad'' and RFA ''Sir Tristram'' to position the 5th Infantry Brigade for an assault on Port Stanley. As these ships were unloading and therefore vulnerable, they were attacked by nine A-4 Skyhawks in two waves, while five Daggers attacked the escorting frigate {{HMS|Plymouth|F126|6}}.
On June 13, the A-4 Skyhawks of the Argentine Air Force renewed their attacks in two formations of four aircraft each and launched an attack against enemy troops and helicopters. On June 14, 1982, the Argentine command surrendered, returning control of the Falklands, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands to the United Kingdom. The Argentine Air Force suffered 55 dead and 47 wounded, with 505 combat departures and 62 aircraft losses, as listed below:<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Historia de la Fuerza Aérea Argentina|date=1998 |publisher=Fuerza Aérea Argentina, Dirección de Estudios Históricos|editor-first=Ricardo Luis|editor-last= Quellet|isbn=987-96654-4-9|location=Buenos Aires|pages=797|oclc=760500498}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=30em}} * 19 A-4 Skyhawk * 2 Mirage III * 11 Dagger * 2 Canberra * 24 IA-58 Pucará * 1 C-130H Hercules * 1 Learjet 35 * 2 Bell 212 {{div col end}}
=== Post-war (1983–2003) === [[File:Canberra B-105 Mar del Plata kill marks.jpg|thumb|right|Canberra preserved at Mar del Plata Airport]]
Argentina started the development of brand new aircraft, including the FMA IA-63 Pampa, the combat fighter FMA SAIA 90, and the subsequent transformation of the Condor missile into a medium-range ballistic missile.<ref>De León, Pablo Gabriel (2017). ''El proyecto misilístico Cóndor. Su origen, desarrollo y cancelación''. Lenguaje Claro. {{ISBN|978-987-3764-24-0}}. p. 96.</ref> Of these, only the Pampa was successfully developed.
During 1994, President Carlos Menem discontinued mandatory military service and began allowing women to serve.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Adiós a la colimba|url=https://www.lavoz.com.ar/temas/adios-la-colimba|website=La Voz|language=es|access-date=2020-05-21}}</ref>
=== Support to UN peacekeeping missions <!-- Not in the es --> === The Argentine Air Force has been involved in United Nations peacekeeping missions, sending a contingent to Cyprus in 1994<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fuerzaaerea.mil.ar/misiones/chipre.html|title=- Fuerza Area Argentina|access-date=24 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407065850/http://www.fuerzaaerea.mil.ar/misiones/chipre.html|archive-date=7 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helis.com/database/go/ar_7th_air_brigade.php|title=VII Brigada Aerea|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224165612/http://www.helis.com/database/go/ar_7th_air_brigade.php|archive-date=24 December 2007|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and deploying Bell 212 helicopters to Haiti during 2005.
=== Early 21st century === In early 2005, seventeen brigadiers, including the Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Carlos Rohde, were fired by President Néstor Kirchner following a scandal involving drug trafficking through Ezeiza International Airport. Kirchner cited failures in the security systems of the Argentine airports, which were overseen by the National Aeronautic Police, then a branch of the Air Force (predecessor of the today independent Airport Security Police), and cover-ups of the scandal.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kirchner removió al brigadier general Carlos Rodhe|url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/sociedad/kirchner-removio-al-brigadier-general-carlos-rodhe-nid680533|date=2005-02-17|newspaper=La Nación|language=es|access-date=2020-05-21}}</ref>
==== 2010s ==== {{As of|2010}}, budgetary constraints continued, leading to the disbanding of the Boeing 707 transport squadron and maintenance problems for half of the C-130 Hercules fleet.
thumb|right|250px|An Argentine Air Force Mi-171E during the 2017/18 Summer Antarctic Campaign
In August 2010, a contract was signed for two Mi-17E helicopters, plus an option on a further three, to support Antarctic bases.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zonamilitar.com.ar/?p=479 |title=Zona Militar |work=zonamilitar.com.ar |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903174817/http://zonamilitar.com.ar/?p=479 |archive-date=2010-09-03 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1271655|title=Iniciativa para reequipar a las FF.AA.|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819114701/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1271655|archive-date=19 August 2010|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The FAA has been seeking to replace its ageing force with more capable and more serviceable modern aircraft. The acquisition of Spanish Mirage F1Ms, IAI Kfir Block 60s<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/argentina-in-negotiations-for-israeli-kfir-fighters-415038/|title=Argentina in negotiations for Israeli Kfir fighters|work=Flightglobal.com|access-date=2015-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822235943/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/argentina-in-negotiations-for-israeli-kfir-fighters-415038/|archive-date=2015-08-22|url-status=live}}</ref> and Saab Gripen E/Fs were considered, but as of February 2015, all of those deals appear to have stalled; the Mirage F1 deal was scrapped by the Spanish government in March 2014, after pressure from the UK to not assist in FAA modernization over tensions between the countries over the Falkland Islands.<ref>[http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9470:argentina-spanish-mirage-f-1-deal-scrapped-due-to-uk-preassure&catid=35:latin-america&Itemid=58 Argentina; Spanish Mirage F-1 deal scrapped due to UK pressure] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029013125/http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9470%3Aargentina-spanish-mirage-f-1-deal-scrapped-due-to-uk-preassure&catid=35%3Alatin-america&Itemid=58|date=2014-10-29}} - Dmilt.com, 7 March 2014</ref> The UK has also managed to veto the sale of Gripen E/Fs, as 30% of the Gripen's parts are manufactured there. The deal with Israel has reportedly stalled for technical and political reasons. China has allegedly offered JF-17/FC-1's and Chengdu J-10's to Argentina. The two countries have formed a working group to look into the transfer of 14 aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141130/DEFREG05/311300010|archive-url = https://archive.today/20141130192844/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141130/DEFREG05/311300010|url-status = dead|archive-date = November 30, 2014|title = Argentina's Jet Fighter Replacement Options Narrow|date = 30 November 2014|access-date = 18 February 2015|website = Defensenews.com}}</ref><ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/argentina-seeks-kfir-deal-with-israel-394770/ "Argentina seeks Kfir deal with Israel"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118062321/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/argentina-seeks-kfir-deal-with-israel-394770/ |date=2014-01-18 }} January 13, 2014</ref> Russia had also offered to lease 12 Su-24 strike aircraft to the FAA, but Jane's reported that the Su-24 would not be very useful to the FAA and that "it would appear that any proposed transfer of such aircraft is likely the result of Russia playing political games with the UK over the continuing crisis in Ukraine."<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.janes.com/article/48726/argentina-and-china-agree-fighter-aircraft-working-group|title = Argentina and China agree fighter aircraft working group|date = 5 February 2015|access-date = 18 February 2015|website = IHS Jane's 360|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150222074256/http://www.janes.com/article/48726/argentina-and-china-agree-fighter-aircraft-working-group|archive-date = 22 February 2015|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref> All Mirages were officially decommissioned on 30 November 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.janes.com/article/56373/argentina-retires-dassault-mirage-fleet|title = Argentina retires Dassault Mirage fleet|date = 1 December 2015|access-date = 8 December 2015|website = IHS Jane's 360|last = Porfilio|first = Gabriel|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151208082905/http://www.janes.com/article/56373/argentina-retires-dassault-mirage-fleet|archive-date = 8 December 2015|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref> The A-4s were grounded {{As of|January 2016|lc=yes}}, for lack of spares;<ref name=A4grounded>{{cite web | url=http://www.janes.com/article/57550/argentinian-mod-confirms-all-fighters-grounded | title=Argentinian MoD confirms all fighters grounded | first=Gabriel | last=Porfilio | publisher=IHS Jane's Defense Weekly | date=28 January 2016 | access-date=11 April 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404133525/http://www.janes.com/article/57550/argentinian-mod-confirms-all-fighters-grounded | archive-date=4 April 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> in any case only 4–5 were airworthy with the rest in storage at Villa Reynolds.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ambito.com/diario/825246-no-queremos-una-armada-que-no-navegue-ni-una-fuerza-aerea-que-no-vuele | date=27 January 2016 | title=No queremos una Armada que no navegue ni una Fuerza Aérea que no vuele | language=es | first=Edgardo | last=Aguilera | newspaper=Diario Ambito Financiero | access-date=1 April 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422180706/http://www.ambito.com/diario/825246-no-queremos-una-armada-que-no-navegue-ni-una-fuerza-aerea-que-no-vuele | archive-date=22 April 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> When Barack Obama visited in March 2016, Air Force One was accompanied by US Air Force F-16s because Argentina could only offer Pucarás and Pampas for air defense.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.elsol.com.ar/nota/262029 | date=21 March 2016 | title=La llegada de Obama desnudó la triste realidad de la FAA | newspaper=El Sol | access-date=11 April 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409063301/http://www.elsol.com.ar/nota/262029 | archive-date=9 April 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
As of July 2019, the Argentine Air Force and government selected the KAI FA-50 as its interim fighter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Argentina selects Korean FA-50 fighter |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/argentina-selects-korean-fa-50-fighter |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref> With this act being the first step in modernizing the fighter force and replacing the Mirage 3, Dagger, and Mirage 5 fighters that have also been retired; it was also anticipated that obtaining FA-50 would help mitigate the retirement of the Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk fleet, as they were ageing and becoming difficult to maintain. As of 2020, it is reported that as few as six of the Fightinghawk aircraft remain operational.<ref name="aerotime.aero">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/25597-argentinian-a-4ar-fighter-jet-crashes-near-cordoba-pilot-dead|title=Argentine A-4AR fighter jet crashes near Cordoba, pilot dead|website=www.aerotime.aero|date=6 August 2020 }}</ref> While no specific numbers of aircraft to purchase were given, the media reported that up to 10 FA-50s were considered. Despite elections coming in October 2019, the deal had been expected to go through. An Argentine delegation first visited the Republic of Korea Air Force in September 2016. At that time an FAA pilot was able to test fly the TA-50 Golden Eagle operational trainer variant of the FA-50.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news|title=Janes {{pipe}} Latest defense and security news|website=Janes.com}}</ref>
However, the deal appeared to have been canceled in early 2020, leaving the Air Force without a fighter replacement. Some sources suggested that the cancellation was due to the financial pressures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-notes/premium-latin-american-projects-face-covid-19-prob/|title=PREMIUM: Latin American projects face COVID-19 problems - Defense Notes - Shephard Media|website=www.shephardmedia.com}}</ref> while others reported that British intervention played a part by preventing the export of an aircraft incorporating various British components.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2020/10/31/no-fa-50s-for-you-uk-diplomats-swat-down-argentine-fighter-plan/|title=No FA-50s For You! U.K. Bureaucrats Swat Down Argentine Fighter Plan|first=David|last=Axe|website=Forbes}}</ref> In October 2020, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) confirmed that since major components of the aircraft were supplied by the U.K., the aircraft could not be exported to Argentina. Britain similarly blocked the potential sale of Brazilian license-built Saab Gripen aircraft to Argentina, given that some avionics were of British origin. Argentina was now said to be exploring the potential acquisition of aircraft from Russia, China, India <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.mercopress.com/2020/10/31/uk-bars-sale-of-south-korean-fighter-jets-for-the-argentine-air-force|title=UK bars sale of South Korean fighter jets for the Argentine air force|website=MercoPress}}</ref> or Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://quwa.org/2020/12/06/argentina-will-take-another-look-at-the-jf-17-thunder-2/|title=Argentina Will Take Another Look at the JF-17 Thunder|date=December 6, 2020}}</ref> However, even sales of Chinese aircraft reportedly encountered potential problems since the ejector seats of the aircraft were the MK6, manufactured by Martin-Baker in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.mercopress.com/2021/05/26/argentine-air-force-faces-another-hurdle-for-its-re-equipment-plans|title=Argentine Air Force faces another hurdle for its re-equipment plans|website=MercoPress}}</ref>
==== 2020s ==== thumb|right|KC-130H aerial refueling aircraft.
Early in 2021, Russia made several proposals related to the acquisition of aircraft by Argentina including the apparent offer of MiG-35 fighters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2021/03/08/los-ofrecimientos-rusos-a-la-argentina-suman-al-mig-35/|title=Los ofrecimientos rusos a la Argentina suman al Mig-35|date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> These built on earlier offers of the MiG-29 as well as on measures being undertaken to extend the life of Mi-171E helicopters acquired by Argentina in 2010 to support operations in Antarctica.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2021/03/05/ultimos-pasos-y-comienzo-de-la-icm-para-los-mi-171e-de-la-fuerza-aerea-argentina/|title=Últimos pasos y comienzo de la ICM para los Mi-171E de la Fuerza Aérea Argentina|date=March 5, 2021}}</ref>
To improve transport capabilities, two Fokker F-28 aircraft which had been decommissioned in 2019, have been refurbished and put into service, the last one (TC-53) in early August 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2021/08/07/fuerza-aerea-argentina-el-fokker-f-28-tc-53-volvio-a-volar/ |title=Fuerza Aérea Argentina – El Fokker F-28 TC-53 volvió a volar |date=August 7, 2021 |access-date= 2021-08-11}}</ref>
In mid 2021, one analysis found that the numbers of operational aircraft with offensive combat capability were practically at a level of zero. In addition to only around six A-4 ''Fightinghawk'' aircraft being operational, the availability of C-130 transport aircraft was only assessed as being at six of originally 14 aircraft. However, 23 IA-63 ''Pampa'', 12 T-6C+ ''Texan II'' and 12 EMB-312 ''Tucano'' trainer aircraft were reported operational as of 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bettolli|first=Carlos Borda|date=2021-07-09|title=La degradación operacional de la Fuerza Aérea Argentina en las últimas dos décadas|url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2021/07/09/la-degradacion-de-los-medios-y-actividad-operacional-de-la-fuerza-aerea-argentina-en-las-ultimas-dos-decadas/|access-date=2021-08-13|website=Zona Militar|language=es}}</ref> In September 2021, the Government officially included funding of $664 million in a draft budget for Congress involving the purchase of new combat aircraft. In 2022, talks with China over the potential purchase of JF-17 Thunders, and possibly Chengdu J-10s, and with India for HAL Tejas fighter jets came to the fore.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Reuben |date=2023-09-25 |title=In Argentina's fighter competition, Washington and Beijing fight for regional influence |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2023/09/in-argentinas-fighter-competition-washington-and-beijing-fight-for-regional-influence/ |access-date=2024-08-17 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref> However in December 2022, Argentine President Alberto Fernández appeared to reject the notion of buying new fighter aircraft for the air force, stating: “There are other priorities before buying weapons, definitely”. Referring to the strategic and political situation in South America he further commented that: “There are no war problems, peace is the common denominator between us.”<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/12/12/argentinas-president-throws-cold-water-on-fighter-jet-program/ | title=Argentina's president throws cold water on fighter jet program | date=12 December 2022 }}</ref> It was simultaneously confirmed that the fighter aircraft replacement program had been stopped.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/neither-jf-17-nor-tejas-argentina-stops-fighter-jet-tender | title=No JF-17, no Tejas: Argentina stops fighter jet tender - AeroTime | date=9 December 2022 }}</ref>
thumb|Bell 407 In early 2023, Argentina confirmed the purchase of six Bell 407 for the Armed Forces and plans for the modernization of its inventory of Hughes 500Ds pending the arrival of new Beechcraft TC-12B Hurons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubois |first=Gastón |date=2023-01-31 |title=Argentina formalized the purchase of six Bell 407 helicopters for the Army and Air Force. |url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2023/01/argentina-formalized-the-purchase-of-six-bell-407-helicopters-for-the-army-and-air-force/ |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=Aviacionline.com |language=es}}</ref>
In June 2023, Argentina received an additional leased C-130 from the US, bringing the total number of operational C-130 to five aircraft.<ref name="leasec130">{{cite web | url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/06/13/argentina-hercules-aircraft-us/ | title=Argentina Receives Additional C-130 Hercules Aircraft Leased From US |website=The DefensePost |last=Saballa |first=Joe | date=13 June 2023}}</ref> At the same time, the Biden administration asked Congress to approve the potential sale of former Royal Danish Air Force F-16s, as well as former Royal Norwegian Air Force P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, to Argentina. While the US was reportedly supporting the sale in order to avoid the possibility that Argentina would turn to China for its fighter aircraft, it was anticipated that the United Kingdom would urge Denmark not to make the sale. It was also unclear whether the combined acquisition cost (of $447 million USD) would be considered affordable by Argentina.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/argentina-gets-closer-to-us-green-light-for-f-16-and-p-3-deals | title=Argentina gets closer to US green light for F-16 and P-3 deals |website=Scramble | date=9 August 2023}}</ref> On 11 October 2023, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Security Mira Resnick confirmed to Jorge Argüello, Argentinean ambassador to the US, that the State Department has approved the transfer of 38 F-16s from Denmark.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/october/9293-us-state-department-clears-the-transfer-of-38-f-16-viper-fighter-jets-from-denmark-to-argentina.html |title=US State Department clears transfer of 38 F-16 fighters from Denmark to Argentina |website=airrecognition.com |date=13 October 2023}}</ref> In March 2024, it was reported that the number of aircraft had been reduced to 24 but that discussions on concluding the deal would be initiated.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2024/03/21/argentinas-ministry-of-defense-will-start-the-process-of-purchasing-f-16-fighters-from-denmark-for-the-air-force/ |title=Argentina's Ministry of Defense will start the process of purchasing F-16 fighters from Denmark for the Air Force |website=ZonaMilitar |date=21 March 2024}}</ref> On March 26, 2024, the Danish Defence Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, signed a letter of intent with his Argentine counterpart to transfer the aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |title=Denmark Signs Letter Of Intent For F-16 Sale To Argentina |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/denmark-signs-letter-intent-f-16-sale-argentina |publisher=Aviation Week |date=26 March 2024 |access-date=27 March 2024}}</ref> The first six aircraft were transferred starting in December 2025 and the remaining aircraft are to follow in three annual batches of six up to 2028.<ref>{{cite web |title=First F-16 Fighter Jets Arrive in Argentina with U.S. Support|url=https://ar.usembassy.gov/first-f-16-fighter-jets-arrive-in-argentina-with-u-s-support/ |date=6 December 2025 |website=US Mission Argentina |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web |last=Finnerty |first=Ryan |title=Argentina unveils first of used F-16s being acquired from Denmark|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/argentina-unveils-first-of-used-f-16s-being-acquired-from-denmark/162006.article |date=28 February 2025 |website=Flight Global |access-date=6 May 2025}}</ref>
In May 2026, it was announced that the Air Force's A-4AR Fightinghawk fighter-bombers had been formally retired from service.<ref>{{cite web |last= Roldán |first=Juan José|title=La Fuerza Aérea Argentina anunció el retiro de sus cazabombarderos A-4AR Fightinghawk|url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/05/14/la-fuerza-aerea-argentina-anuncio-de-forma-oficial-el-retiro-de-sus-cazabombarderos-a-4ar-fightinghawk/ |date=14 May 2026 |website=Zona Militar |access-date=17 May 2026}}</ref>
==Organization== {{unreferenced section|date=April 2016}}
The Argentine Air Force (FAA) is one of the three branches of the Argentine military, having equal status with the Army and the Navy; the President of Argentina is Commander-in-Chief of all three.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=LEY DE DEFENSA NACIONAL- Título IV|url=http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/20000-24999/20988/texact.htm|date=1988|website=servicios.infoleg.gob.ar|access-date=2020-05-26}}</ref>
The FAA is headed by the Chief of the General Staff ({{lang|es|Jefe del Estado Mayor General}}), directly appointed by the President.<ref name=":2" /> The Chief of Staff usually holds the rank of Brigadier General, the highest rank of the Air Force, being seconded by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff and three senior officers in charge of the FAA's three Commands: the Air Operations, the Personnel, and the Materiel Command.
The Air Operations Command ({{lang|es|Comando de Operaciones Aéreas}}) is the branch of the Air Force responsible for aerospace defense, air operations, planning, training, and technical and logistical support of the air units. Subordinate to the Air Operations Command are the Air Brigades ({{lang|es|Brigadas Aéreas}}), the Air Force's major operative units, as well as the airspace surveillance and control group (Grupo VYCEA, Argentine Air Force). There is currently{{when|date=August 2015}} estimated to be a total of eight air brigades operational. Brigades are headquartered at Military Air Bases ({{lang|es|Base Aérea Militar}} (BAMs).
Each Air Brigade is made up of three Groups, each bearing the same number as their mother Brigade. These groups include: *One '''Air Group''' ({{lang|es|Grupo Aéreo}}), which operates the aircraft assigned to the Brigade. The Air Group is divided into a variable number of Air Squadrons. Air Groups may be named according to their primary mission, for example, an air group specialized in fighter operations receives the designation of Fighter Group (''Grupo de Caza''). Currently, {{when|date=December 2022}} the Air Force includes three Fighter Groups (4th, 5th, and 6th), one Attack Group (3rd), one Transport Group (1st), and three plain Air Groups (2nd, 7th, and 9th). The 7th Air Group operates all the helicopters of the Air Force, while the 2nd includes a small reconnaissance unit as well as light transport aircraft. 9th Air Group is a light transport unit. *One '''Technical Group''' ({{lang|es|Grupo Técnico}}), in charge of the maintenance and repair of the Brigade's aircraft. *One '''Base Group''' ({{lang|es|Grupo Base}}), responsible for the airbase itself, weather forecasting, flight control, runway maintenance, etc. Base Groups also include Base Flights ({{lang|es|Escuadrillas de Base}}), generally made up of two or three liaison aircraft.
The Personnel Command ({{lang|es|Comando de Personal}}) is responsible for the training, education, assignment, and welfare of Air Force personnel. Under the control of the Personnel Command are the Military Aviation School (which educates the future officers of the Air Force), the Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) School, and other educational and training units.
The Materiel Command ({{lang|es|Comando de Material}}) deals with planning and executing the Air Force's logistics regarding flying and ground materiel. Materiel Command includes "Quilmes" and "Río Cuarto" Material Areas (repairing and maintenance units) and "El Palomar" Logistical Area.
===Order of battle=== {{more citations needed section|date=August 2015}}
*1st Air Brigade (El Palomar Military Air Base, Buenos Aires Province) in El Palomar Airport<ref name="ORBAT">{{cite web|author1=Esteban Brea|title=ORBAT FAA (I): Antecedentes, Brigadas Aéreas, Bases Militares y Escuadrones|url=http://www.gacetaeronautica.com/gaceta/wp-101/?p=18320|website=Gaceta Aeronáutica|access-date=9 December 2017|date=4 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623051845/http://www.gacetaeronautica.com/gaceta/wp-101/?p=18320|archive-date=23 June 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ** 1st Air Transport Squadron (C-130H Hercules; KC-130H Hercules; L-100-30 Hercules)<ref name="Dédalo">{{cite web | url=https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/dedalo-2022-despliegue-final | title=Dédalo 2022": Despliegue Final | date=8 October 2022|language=es|access-date=2023-12-18 }}</ref> ** 2nd Air Transport Squadron (Fokker F-28; partially used for state-run internal commercial flights as of 2021<ref name="economia.ig.com.br">{{Cite web|url=https://economia.ig.com.br/colunas/contato-radar/2021-01-27/lade-retoma-operacoes-comerciais-com-o-fokker-28.html|title=LADE retoma operações comerciais com o Fokker 28|first=Contato|last=Radar|date=January 27, 2021|website=Economia}}</ref>) ** 5th Squadron (Boeing 707 retired) *2nd Air Brigade (Paraná Military Air Base, Entre Ríos Province) in General Justo José de Urquiza Airport<ref name="ORBAT"/> ** 2nd Reconnaissance Squadron (Learjet 35A)<ref name="Dédalo"/> ** 4th Squadron (Fokker F27-400M retired) ** Services Squadron (Cessna 182) *3rd Air Brigade (Reconquista Military Air Base, Santa Fe Province) in Daniel Jukic Airport<ref name="ORBAT"/> ** Services Squadron (Cessna 182)<ref name="AFMFEB17-20">{{cite book|title=AirForces Monthly|date=February 2017|publisher=Key Publishing Ltd|location=Stamford, Lincolnshire, England|pages=20|title-link=AirForces Monthly}}</ref> ** 14th Antiaircraft Artillery Battery (Oerlikon GAI-D01; Elta EL/M-2106) *4th Air Brigade (El Plumerillo Military Air Base, Mendoza Province) in Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport<ref name="ORBAT"/> thumb|right|FMA Pampa trainer aircraft. ** 1st Training Squadron (FMA IA-63 Pampa serie 2)<ref name="Dédalo"/> ** 3rd Search and Rescue Squadron (SA-315B Lama)<ref name="Dédalo"/> ** 4th ''Cruz del Sur'' Aerobatics Squadron (Su-29 retired) ** Fighter School ** 4th Antiaircraft Artillery Battery (Oerlikon GAI-D01; Elta EL/M-2106) ** West Tactical Intelligence Squadron *5th Air Brigade (Villa Reynolds Military Air Base, San Luis Province) in Villa Reynolds Airport<ref name="ORBAT"/> [[File:Argentina Air Force Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk Lofting-2.jpg|thumb|right|An A-4AR taking off from Governor Francisco Gabrielli Int'l Airport]] ** 1st Fighter-Bomber Squadron (formerly A-4AR Fightinghawk; retired 2026)<ref>{{cite web |last= Roldán |first=Juan José|title=La Fuerza Aérea Argentina anunció el retiro de sus cazabombarderos A-4AR Fightinghawk|url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/05/14/la-fuerza-aerea-argentina-anuncio-de-forma-oficial-el-retiro-de-sus-cazabombarderos-a-4ar-fightinghawk/ |date=14 May 2026 |website=Zona Militar |access-date=17 May 2026}}</ref> ** 2nd Fighter-Bomber Squadron (A-4AR Fightinghawk) (Operational availability of Fightinghawk fleet reported in 2022 at perhaps 15-20% of 23 aircraft; no flights after mid-2024)<ref>{{cite web |last= Roldán |first=Juan José|title=La Fuerza Aérea Argentina anunció el retiro de sus cazabombarderos A-4AR Fightinghawk|url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/05/14/la-fuerza-aerea-argentina-anuncio-de-forma-oficial-el-retiro-de-sus-cazabombarderos-a-4ar-fightinghawk/ |date=14 May 2026 |website=Zona Militar |access-date=17 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.avionslegendaires.net/2022/11/actu/le-remplacement-des-a-4ar-fightinghawk-argentins-plus-que-jamais-dactualite/ | title=Le remplacement des A-4AR Fightinghawk argentins plus que jamais d'actualité ! | date=16 November 2022 }}</ref> ** Services Squadron (Cessna 182; Hughes 500D) ** 5th Antiaircraft Artillery Battery (Rheinmetall RH 202; Elta EL/M-2106) * 6th Air Brigade (Tandil Military Air Base, Buenos Aires Province) in Tandil Airport (converting to F-16A/B MLU Fighting Falcon from December 2025)<ref>{{cite web |last= Roldán |first=Juan José|title=La Fuerza Aérea Argentina anunció el retiro de sus cazabombarderos A-4AR Fightinghawk|url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/05/14/la-fuerza-aerea-argentina-anuncio-de-forma-oficial-el-retiro-de-sus-cazabombarderos-a-4ar-fightinghawk/ |date=14 May 2026 |website=Zona Militar |access-date=17 May 2026}}</ref> ** 1st Fighter-Bomber Squadron (AMD Mirage 5P Mara retired)<ref name="ORBAT"/> ** 2nd Fighter-Bomber Squadron (IAI Finger retired) ** 3rd Air Interceptor Squadron (AMD Mirage IIIEA/DA retired) ** ''Grupo 6 de Caza'' (IA-63 Pampa II/III)<ref name="AFMFEB17-20"/> (reported to upgrade to IA-63 Pampa III as of 2023)<ref name="infodefensa.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/4125229/xavier-julian-isaac-fuerza-aerea-inversion-pais-no-gasto | title=BG Xavier Isaac: "La Fuerza Aérea Argentina es una inversión para el país, no un gasto" }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/en-chile-la-fuerza-aerea-argentina-participa-del-ejercicio-combinado-salitre-2022 | title=En Chile, la Fuerza Aérea Argentina participa del Ejercicio Combinado SALITRE 2022 | date=11 October 2022 }}</ref> ** Services Squadron (Cessna 182; Aerocommander 500)<ref name="AFMFEB17-20"/><ref name="Dédalo"/> ** 13th Antiaircraft Artillery Battery (Oerlikon GAI-B01) *7th Air Brigade (Moreno Military Air Base, Buenos Aires Province) in Mariano Moreno Airport<ref name="ORBAT"/> ** 1st Search and Rescue Squadron (Bell 212; Bell 412EP) ** 2nd Tactical Squadron (Hughes 500D) ** 3rd Squadron (Mil Mi-171E) ** Special Operations Group ({{langx|es|Grupo de Operaciones Especiales, GOE}}) *9th Air Brigade (Comodoro Rivadavia Military Air Base, Chubut Province) in General Enrique Mosconi International Airport<ref name="ORBAT"/> ** 6th Air Transport Squadron (SAAB 340B)<ref name="Dédalo"/> ** 7th Air Transport Squadron (DHC-6 Twin Otter) ** 7th Antiaircraft Artillery Battery (Rheinmetall RH 202) ** South Tactical Intelligence Squadron *Morón Military Air Base (Buenos Aires Province) in Morón Airport<ref name="ORBAT"/> ** Unknown Squadron (Piper PA-34-220T Seneca; Piper/Chincul PA-28RT-201 Arrow; Piper PA-28-236 Dakota; Cessna 182) *Mar del Plata Military Air Base (Buenos Aires Province) in Astor Piazzolla International Airport<ref name="ORBAT"/> ** Unknown Squadron (Roland II; Rheinmetall RH 202; Oerlikon GAI-D01; Oerlikon GDF-002; Skyguard) ** Antiaircraft Weapons Maintenance Squadron (UAV Pegasus; UAV Tehuelche; UAV Murciélago) *10th Air Brigade (re-established at Río Gallegos Military Air Base in 2022-23;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elciudadanoweb.com/tras-incidente-con-buque-ingles-despliegan-aviones-en-base-militar-argentina-cerca-de-malvinas/|title = Tras incidente con buque inglés, despliegan aviones en base militar argentina cerca de Malvinas |website=El Ciudadano|date=17 February 2023}}</ref><ref name="ORBAT"/> reported equipping with 3 IA-63 Pampa III as of 2023 - re-deployed from 6 Brigade)<ref name="infodefensa.com"/> ** Unknown Radar Squadron (AN/TPS-43; may have re-equipped with RPA-170M Air Surveillance and Control radar (medium range 3D tactical air defence radar) deployed to monitor the South Atlantic region as of 2022)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/3774365/argentina-instala-radar-rpa-170m-vigilancia-control-espacio-aereo-atlantico-sur | title=Argentina instala un radar RPA-170M para la vigilancia y el control de su espacio aéreo en el Atlántico Sur }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://en.mercopress.com/2022/06/01/argentina-switches-on-new-radar-to-monitor-south-atlantic-airspace | title=Argentina switches on new radar to monitor South Atlantic airspace }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.invap.com.ar/en/divisions/defense-security-and-environment/mid-range-tactical-air-defense-3d-radar/ | title=Mid-Range tactical Air defense 3D Radar }}</ref> ** 6th Antiaircraft Artillery Battery *Military Aviation School (Cordoba, Córdoba Province)<ref>{{cite web|author1=Esteban Brea|title=ORBAT FAA (II): Institutos de Formación|url=http://www.gacetaeronautica.com/gaceta/wp-101/?p=18322|website=Gaceta Aeronáutica|access-date=9 December 2017|date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210020015/http://www.gacetaeronautica.com/gaceta/wp-101/?p=18322|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ** Glider Flight ** Services Squadron ** School Air Squadron (Grob G 120TP; Embraer EMB-312 Tucano; T-6C Texan II)<ref name="Dédalo"/>
== Ranks ==
===Commissioned officer ranks=== The rank insignia of commissioned officers. {| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;" {{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}} {{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OF/Argentina}} |}
===Other ranks=== The rank insignia of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel. {| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;" {{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OR/Blank}} {{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/Argentina}} |}
== Equipment == {{See|List of equipment of the Argentine Air Force}}
=== Aircraft === [[File:Argentine Air Force LMAASA IA-63 Pampa II (AT-63).jpg|thumb|right|A Pampa II from the Argentine’s aerobatic display team ''Cruz del Sur'' ]] [[File:Argentina Air Force Aerospatiale SA-315B Lama Lofting-1.jpg|thumb|right| An Aerospatiale SA-315 lifting off from Gabrielli International Airport]] [[File:Ceremonia de Arribo de Aviones F16 a la Argentina - Rio Cuarto-69 (54967701810) closeup.jpg|thumb|right|First six F-16 from Skrydstrup delivered by Danish pilots to Rio Cuarto / ARMACUAR<ref name=par/>]] {{See also|List of aircraft of the Argentine Air Force}}
{| class="wikitable" ! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |Aircraft ! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Origin ! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;" |Type ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;" | Variant ! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |In service ! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Notes |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | Combat aircraft |- | F-16 Fighting Falcon | United States | Multirole fighter<br> | A/B Block 15 MLU | 6 (18 on order) | Former Royal Danish Air Force aircraft; letter of confirmation signed by Argentina, April 2024.<ref>{{cite web |date=16 April 2024 |title=Argentina's First F-16 Breaks Cover |url=https://theaviationist.com/2024/04/16/argentinas-first-f-16-breaks-cover/}}</ref> First six aircraft (two 1-seat, four 2-seat) were transferred in December 2025.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Singh-Bisht |first1=Inder |title=US Approves F-16 Sale to Argentina to Counter Chinese Offer |url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/10/13/us-f-16-argentina/ |website=thedefensepost.com |date=13 October 2023 |publisher=Defense Post |access-date=13 March 2024}}</ref><ref name=par>{{Cite web |last=Satam |first=Parth |date=2025-12-06 |title=Argentina Receives its First Six F-16s |url=https://theaviationist.com/2025/12/06/argentina-receives-its-first-six-f-16s/ |access-date=2025-12-07 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | IA 63 Pampa | Argentina | Attack | Pampa III | 11<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> | 4 on order<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | Reconnaissance |- | Learjet 35 | United States | Electronic-warfare and Reconnaissance | EC-21A | 2<ref name="World Air Forces 2025">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2024 |title=World Air Forces 2025 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 |access-date=1 August 2025 |publisher=FlightGlobal }}</ref> | 1 for electronic-warfare, 1 for reconnaissance<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | Tanker |- | KC-130 Hercules | United States | Tanker | KC-130H | 2<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> | |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | Transport |- | Boeing 737 | United States | VIP transport | | 1<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rivas |first=Santiago |date=2025-12-04 |title=Brigadier Gustavo Valverde: "el F-16 reemplaza todos los aviones de combate de la Fuerza Aérea Argentina" |url=https://www.pucara.org/post/brigadier-gustavo-valverde-el-f-16-reemplaza-todos-los-medios-de-combate-de-la-fuerza-a%C3%A9rea-argent |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=Pucará Defensa |language=es}}</ref><!-- not listed in World Air Forces 2025 but since there is a reference, we keep it on the list --> | |- | Boeing 757 | United States | VIP transport | | 1<!-- not listed in World Air Forces 2025 but since there is a reference, we keep it on the list --> | Presidential transport aircraft |- | C-12 Huron | United States | Transport | TC-12B | 10<!-- not listed in World Air Forces 2025 but since there is a reference, we keep it on the list --> | <ref name="huron">{{Cite web|url=https://defbrief.com/2022/02/20/argentina-receives-second-beechraft-tc-12b-huron-from-the-us/ |date=2022-02-20|title=Argentina receives second {{sic|nolink=y|Beechraft}} TC-12B Huron from the US|access-date=2023-12-18}}</ref> |- | C-130 Hercules | United States | Tactical airlifter | C-130H | 5<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> | One aircraft is a L-100<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2021/03/10/noticia-fadea-apunta-reemplazo-hercules-argentinos-senala-error-haber-comprado-espanoles.html|title=Fadea apunta al reemplazo de los Hercules argentinos y señala el error de no haber comprado los españoles - Noticias Infodefensa América|language=es|date=March 10, 2021|website=Infodefensa.com}}</ref> |- | Embraer ERJ-140 | Brazil | Transport | ERJ140LR | 2<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Two ERJ140LR for Argentina |url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/two-erj140lr-for-argentina |website=scramble.nl |publisher=Scramble |access-date=17 December 2023|date=17 December 2023}}</ref> | |- | Saab 340 | Sweden | Transport | | 5<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/3742136/reincorporacion-saab-340-matricula-t-33 |title= Argentina vuelve a contar con tres aviones Saab 340 operativos después de 11 años |language=es |publisher=infodefensa.com|date=2022-05-10|access-date= 29 June 2022}}</ref> <!-- not listed in World Air Forces 2025 but since there is a reference, we keep it on the list --> | |- | Super King Air | United States | Transport / Utility | 200 | 2<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> | |- | Turbo Commander | United States | Utility / VIP transport | | 3<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> | |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |Helicopters |- | Bell 212 | United States | Utility | | Bell 212 + Bell 412 total 13 <ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> | |- | Bell 412 | United States | Utility | | Bell 212 +Bell 412 total 13 <ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> | |- | Bell 407 | United States | SAR | 407GXi | 1<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2024/12/04/el-ejercito-argentino-recibe-en-los-ee-uu-a-sus-dos-primeros-helicopteros-bell-407gxi-para-operaciones-en-alta-montana/ | title=El Ejército Argentino recibe en los EE.UU. a sus dos primeros helicópteros Bell 407GXi para operaciones en alta montaña |website=Zona Militar | date=4 December 2024 }}</ref> | 2 on order for the Air Force;<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Higuera|first=José |title=Argentina's Army, Air Force to split new order of Bell Textron helos |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/the-americas/2022/12/22/argentinas-army-air-force-to-split-new-order-of-bell-textron-helos/ |date=22 December 2022 |website=Defense News |access-date=7 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Dubois | first1=Gastón | url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/12/argentina-buys-six-bell-407-gxi-helicopters-to-replace-its-sa315b-lama/ | title=Argentina buys six Bell 407 GXI helicopters to replace its SA315B Lama | work=Aviacionline - Últimas noticias de aviación en Latinoamérica y el Caribe, España y el mundo | date=21 December 2022 }}</ref> further 3 delivered to the Army in 2025 |- | MD 500 Defender | United States | Light utility | MD 500D | 8<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> | |- | SA 315B Lama | France | Liaison | | 5<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2024/03/13/the-argentine-air-force-puts-its-fifth-sa315b-lama-helicopter-into-service/ | title=The Argentine Air Force puts its fifth SA315B Lama helicopter into service |website=Zona Militar | date=13 March 2024 }}</ref> | |- | Sikorsky S-70 | United States | VIP transport | | 1<ref name="presheli">{{cite web |url= https://www.aviacionline.com/2021/07/the-new-livery-of-the-argentine-presidential-air-group-was-revealed/ |title= The new livery of the Argentine Presidential Air Group was revealed |access-date= 2023-12-18 |date=2021-07-30|publisher=Aviacionline |first=Gastón |last=Dubois |work= Aviacionline - Últimas noticias de aviación en Latinoamérica y el Caribe, España y el mundo }}</ref><!-- not listed in World Air Forces 2025 but since there is a reference, we keep it on the list --> | |- | Sikorsky S-76 | United States | VIP transport | | 2<ref name="presheli" /><!-- not listed in World Air Forces 2025 but since there is a reference, we keep it on the list --> | |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | Trainer aircraft |- | Beechcraft T-6 Texan II | United States | Basic trainer | T-6C+ | 12<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> | |- | EMB-312 Tucano | Brazil | Attack / Trainer | | 12<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> | Single-turboprop basic trainer |- | Grob G 120TP | Germany | Basic trainer | | 8<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> | |- | IA 63 Pampa | Argentina | Advanced trainer | Pampa II | 16<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> | 3 in conversion process to Pampa III attack version |- | Super King Air | United States | Transport / Utility | 200 | 5<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> | 5 provide multi-engine training |}
==Chiefs of the Argentine Air Force== {{main|List of senior officers of the Argentine Air Force}}
==See also== {{Portal|Argentina}}
===Argentine military – other air services=== *Argentine Army **Argentine Army Aviation *Argentine Navy **Argentine Naval Aviation *Military of Argentina
===Operational history=== *Argentine air forces in the Falklands War ** Battle of San Carlos
===Related units and organisations=== *Agrupación Aérea Presidencial – Presidential VIP fleet *Argentine Air Force Mobile Field Hospital *LADE – State government airline
=== Former aircraft === * List of aircraft of the Argentine Air Force
== References == === Citations === {{reflist}} === Sources === * {{cite journal |first1=Daniel P. |last1=Hagedorn |title=Talkback |journal=Air Enthusiast |date=September–October 1996 |issue=65 |page=80 |issn=0143-5450}} * {{cite book |title = The Military Balance 2010 |author = International Institute for Strategic Studies |author-link = International Institute for Strategic Studies |editor = Hackett, James |date=2010-02-03 |publisher=Routledge |location=London |isbn = 978-1-85743-557-3 |ref = IISS2010 }} * {{Cite book|first=Ricardo Luis|last=Quellet|title=Historia de la Fuerza Aérea Argentina|publisher=[Fuerza Aérea Argentina, Dirección de Estudios Históricos]|year=1997|isbn=987-96654-4-9|location=[Buenos Aires]|oclc=760500498}}
== Further reading == {{Expand section|date=April 2016}} * {{in lang|es}} [http://economiayempresas.com.ar/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=131:la-argentina-fabricante-de-aviones La Argentina fabricante de Aviones] (retrieved 2016-04-23)
==External links== {{commons category}} * {{Official website}} {{in lang|es}} * [https://www.blogdecazaypesca.com/organization-and-equipment/ Organization and equipment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404224731/https://www.blogdecazaypesca.com/organization-and-equipment/ |date=2019-04-04 }} {{in lang|en}} * [http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/americas/arg/AirForce/Argentina-af-home.htm List of websites]
{{Argentine Military}} {{Argentine government}} {{Air forces in Latin America}} {{Air forces}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Argentine Air Force Category:Military units and formations established in 1945