Argentine Air Force Receives IA 63 Pampa III Block II Trainer-Light Attack Aircraft

Fábrica Argentina de Aviones "Brig. San Martín" SA (FAdeA) handed over two IA 63 Pampa III - Block II aircraft to the Argentine Air Force on June 4, along with the first set of nationalized pylons.

One aircraft came from production, and the other was modernized at FAdeA's Córdoba facilities after more than 15 years out of service. Both aircraft were dispatched to the X Brigade in Rio Gallegos to enhance border protection.

The Block II configuration includes virtual training software and an advanced communication system, enhancing the aircraft's capabilities for light attack and advanced training. This configuration aims to prepare pilots for integration into the F16 fleet, which the Argentine Air Force plans to incorporate.

The nationalized pylons delivered by FAdeA will enable Pampa aircraft to be equipped with weapons. This marks the first instance of such pylons being produced domestically and incorporated into every Pampa aircraft.

After the ceremony, authorities visited the Hercules C130 maintenance areas and received briefings on various tasks, including maintenance on Pampa aircraft, the manufacture of assemblies for Embraer C390 aircraft, engine and rotables maintenance for the Argentine Air Force, and large aircraft painting projects for Aerolineas Argentinas.