The restoration of the Argentine Air Force’s supersonic capability reached a concrete turning point: the first six F-16 Fighting Falcons acquired from Denmark have begun their transit to South America. The Ministry of Defense and its head, Luis Petri, officially confirmed that the aircraft departed from Skrydstrup Air Base and completed their first technical stopover at Zaragoza Air Base, Spain, without incident, before continuing with the central leg of the international ferry.

“Argentina’s F-16s are already on their way,” the Ministry announced on its official channels, accompanied by images of the departure under marginal weather conditions in Denmark. Minutes later, Petri echoed the message, highlighting that “the F-16s are flying home” and noting that the entire country is waiting to see them enter national airspace. Both communications confirmed the start of a transfer whose logistical planning has been underway since mid-year between the Argentine Air Force (FAA), the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF), and air control authorities from Europe, Africa and South America.

Luis Petri on Instagram: "Los F-16 argentinos ya vuelan hacia casa. Partieron desde la Base Aérea Skrydstrup, Dinamarca, y aterrizaron en la Base Aérea de Zaragoza, España, para su primera escala técnica. Con cada kilómetro, crece la expectativa. Hay un país entero esperando verlos entrar a nuestro cielo. 🇦🇷"

A strategic and technically complex transfer

Ferrying a single-engine fighter aircraft from Europe to South America requires a carefully coordinated operation supported by multiple stopovers and allied tanker aircraft to ensure continuous operational safety. Although specific flight-plan details were not released for security reasons, Defense sources indicate that the itinerary includes refueling stops at NATO bases and logistical support from the Danish provider at each stage.

The first leg —Skrydstrup–Zaragoza— confirms that the formation is progressing according to the schedule defined in the international transfer agreement signed in April 2024 and consolidated during the latest technical inspections carried out by Argentine personnel in Denmark.

The first batch consists of four F-16BM two-seaters —tail numbers M-1004, M-1005, M-1007 and M-1008— and two F-16AM single-seaters, identified as M-1009 and M-1020. These aircraft recently completed their final MLU inspection cycle in Denmark and were certified to begin the transatlantic crossing.

Ministerio de Defensa on Instagram: "Los F-16 argentinos ya están en camino. Despegaron entre nubes desde la Base Aérea Skrydstrup, en Dinamarca, y aterrizaron bajo el sol de Zaragoza, España, para su primera escala y reabastecimiento. Cada tramo que avanzan acorta la distancia con nuestro cielo. En todo el país, compartimos el orgullo y la ansiedad por verlos llegar. 🇦🇷"

The convoy also includes an essential support element: the Boeing 737-700 T-99, deployed as a liaison and logistics aircraft; the KC-130H Hercules TC-69, responsible for tactical support and refueling contingencies; and a USAF KC-135R Stratotanker, integrated into the formation to provide aerial refueling during the longest stages of the route. After the initial stop in Zaragoza, the group will continue to Gando (Canary Islands), from where it will initiate the Atlantic crossing to Natal, Brazil, following the standard corridor used for single-engine fighter transfers from Europe to South America.

Arrival in Argentina

The departure from Denmark takes place in parallel with local preparations for the fighters’ arrival, scheduled for the first weekend of December. NOTAMs published in the Ezeiza FIR already outline an unprecedented welcome operation, including:

  • An Air Display over the Avenida de Mayo–Casa Rosada axis, with a 10 NM radius.
  • Passes between GND and 1,000 ft AGL, ensuring full visibility over the civic corridor.
  • Visual corridors coordinated with Aeroparque and Ezeiza due to the proximity of both CTRs.
  • An emergency zone, “Controlled Ejection Baires,” established near General Rodríguez and activated up to FL150 for contingencies involving single-engine aircraft.

The event is scheduled for 6–7 December 2025, between 10:00 and 13:00 local time. The FAA aims to revive the tradition of public presentation of new weapon systems —something not seen in Argentina since the introduction of the IA-63 Pampa III and, in the case of fighters, since the retirement of the Mirage fleet in 2015.

A milestone for Argentine air defense

The start of the ferry marks a tangible step forward in the FAA’s F-16 program, considered by the Government the most significant technological leap in 40 years for national air defense. The arrival of the first six Fighting Falcons not only restores supersonic capability but also introduces a doctrinal framework aligned with NATO standards: multimode radar employment, BVR combat, infrastructure modernization, MLU-level maintenance and the transition to advanced precision-guided weaponry.

The remaining legs of the journey to Argentine soil will be closely monitored by the aviation community —and by a country that, as noted by the Ministry and the minister himself, is eagerly awaiting the moment these aircraft finally cross its skies.