Argentina-France Discuss Defense Procurement: Are Rafale Jets on the Table?

Argentina could be considering to buy Dassault Rafale fighter jets as it discussed proposals for new military equipment and technology transfer with France last week.

Discussions with France were held as part of a two day visit of the Argentinian Secretary of International Affairs for Defense, Francisco Cafiero to Paris where he met with the Director of International Affairs of the General Directorate of Armaments, Gaël Díaz de Tuesta to discuss proposals for new new military equipment, an Argentinian MoD statement said.

“Argentina and France share a rich agenda, with 24 instances of bilateral cooperation links, training exchanges, training and equipment.

Secretary Cafiero participated in the XII Franco-Argentine Strategic Dialogue with the Director General of International Relations and Strategy of the Ministry of the French Armed Forces, Alice Rufo.”

In addition, the Argentine official was part of the working meeting in the French national Senate with six legislators members of the Southern Cone Friendship Group, where they discussed the bilateral defense relationship between the two countries.

Significantly, Cafiero held a meeting with the vice president for Latin America of AIRBUS Helicopters. He also met with the logistics mission in Europe of the Argentine Air Force and the Argentine Navy.

Argentina currently has an aircraft procurement program where it is reportedly considering the Chinese JF-17 and the Indian LCA Tejas as light attack aircraft. However recent reports say the plans to buy a light fighter has been put on backburner and that a multi-role  fighter such as the Rafale or F-16 could be considered.

Argentina currently operates Dassaut-made Super Etendard aircraft which were made famous by sinking two ships during the 1982 Falklands war using French-made Exocet missiles.

However, a British arms embargo against Argentina has prevented the service of U.K-made Martin Baker ejection seats used in the Super Etendards.

If Rafale is being considered by Argentina, it will have to find an alternative to the Martin Baker seats used in the Rafales.