Danish F-16 Sale to Argentina: Lockheed Wins $266M Support Contract

Lockheed Martin has secured a $265.9 million contract to support the transfer of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark to Argentina under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

The contract, awarded by the U.S. Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, involves operational flight program updates and logistics for the Danish F-16 transfer. Work will take place in Fort Worth, Texas; Denmark; and Argentina, with completion expected by March 2032. FMS funds of $53.2 million were obligated at the time of the award.

Argentina is set to receive its first six combat-ready F-16 jets by the end of 2025, with the remaining 18 aircraft scheduled for delivery over the next three years. The F-16s will be stationed at the Río Cuarto Material Area while upgrades to the VI Air Brigade base in Tandil are ongoing.

The deal, signed with Denmark in early 2024, includes 24 second-hand F-16A/B MLU aircraft, advanced weapons, spare parts, engines, and four flight simulators. It also provides comprehensive pilot and technician training and guarantees spare parts for five years.

In January, Argentina received a non-combat F-16B MLU Block 10, designated "number 25," intended for pilot and maintenance training. This aircraft is not part of the 24 operational units covered by the main agreement.