Why Argentina Chose Used F-16s Over Tejas and JF-17

Argentina's decision to procure used F-16 fighter jets from Denmark instead of India's LCA Tejas or China's JF-17 was influenced by a combination of factors, primarily focused on operational reliability, maintenance concerns, and perceived technological limitations of the competing aircraft.

Tejas: Concerns over British Components and Operational Readiness​

One major deterrent for Argentina regarding the Tejas was its reliance on British components. Reports highlighted potential challenges in sourcing replacements, leading to extended periods of grounding that could compromise operational readiness. For a country aiming to modernize its air force, ensuring consistent availability and quick turnaround for repairs is paramount.

JF-17: Perceived Inferiority and Maintenance Demands​

The JF-17, despite being a newer model, was viewed as the least capable option. The Chinese engine's lower Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) raised concerns about increased maintenance requirements and potential disruptions to flight operations.

Furthermore, the avionics and radar system offered on the likely export variant of the JF-17 failed to impress the Argentinian Air Force, suggesting technological shortcomings compared to the F-16s.

F-16: A Proven Workhorse with Upgrade Potential​

The F-16s, while used, presented a compelling case for Argentina due to their proven track record, widespread availability of spare parts, and potential for future upgrades.

The F-16 is a well-established platform with a history of successful operations in various air forces around the world. This familiarity and the existing global supply chain for spare parts made the F-16 a reliable choice for Argentina, ensuring minimal downtime and efficient maintenance.

The Verdict​

While the Tejas and JF-17 presented their own advantages in terms of cost and potential for collaboration, Argentina's decision ultimately hinged on prioritizing operational reliability, minimizing maintenance risks, and ensuring access to a technologically advanced platform with upgrade potential.

The F-16s, despite being used, offered a balanced solution that addressed these critical requirements, making them the preferred choice for Argentina's Air Force modernization efforts.

 

[Anant]

The F-16s are undoubtedly one of the better aircraft out there, but considering they are already used, the Argentine Air Force might face operational readiness issues sooner rather than later anyways. Regardless, they went with whatever deal they thought best, so good on them for that.

 

[pallab hazarika]

And India can make spacecrafts that can reach moon and Mars but can't make an ejection seat,

 

[sanket]

Pressure Tactics did win the F-16 and F-16 being old Fighter with cheaper option.

 

[Boomeranger]

J10CE is their next best option den.....

 

[Boomeranger]

The F-16s are undoubtedly one of the better aircraft out there, but considering they are already used, the Argentine Air Force might face operational readiness issues sooner rather than later anyways. Regardless, they went with whatever deal they thought best, so good on them for that.

extra costs for upgrading and maintenance is involved for used F16's...

 

[ryan]

And India can make spacecrafts that can reach moon and Mars but can't make an ejection seat,

You can start a company for that instead of vomiting gyan here if it would have been that easy

 

[Pramkumar]

for tejas export, IAF should buy atleast 300+ and it need to be fully indigenised

 

[abhinav srivastava]

And India can make spacecrafts that can reach moon and Mars but can't make an ejection seat,

With imports comes good commissions, foreign trips.

 

[Ajath Shri]

for tejas export, IAF should buy atleast 300+ and it need to be fully indigenised

A small correction. HAL should adhere to timelines.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

We should any how replace British components with desi ones. Ask desi company to develop refuelling systems. Provide specifications... assure them timely orders on meeting the specs, they will exceed your expectations.

 

[Aftab Ahmed Sheikh]

Good choice by Argentinians that chose F-16 over both LCA & JF-17. F-16 is better over LCA technologically.

 

[Dredd]

Good choice by Argentinians that chose F-16 over both LCA & JF-17. F-16 is better over LCA technologically.

which technology on F16 Block 15/16 or 52 is better than the tech on LCA Mk1a?

 

[GMR]

which technology on F16 Block 15/16 or 52 is better than the tech on LCA Mk1a?

Where is LCA MK1A?

 

[Pink Panther]

The F-16s are undoubtedly one of the better aircraft out there, but considering they are already used, the Argentine Air Force might face operational readiness issues sooner rather than later anyways. Regardless, they went with whatever deal they thought best, so good on them for that.

obviously F16 is the best single engine 4th gen jet of all time, , but the point is Argentina can’t fight with UK any more with F16’s, they couldn’t have bought Tejas also because of various British parts that DRDO/HAL & CO didn’t think about making a local replacement for many decades, the best bet for them would have been J10 which was not offered, in the end Argentina made the best choice.

 

[Pink Panther]

extra costs for upgrading and maintenance is involved for used F16's...

very nominal cost, these were in great condition and slightly used, they are getting 24 F16’s, 4 flight simulators, 8 engines and spare parts all for $300Mln, we definitely couldn’t have sold 24 Tejas for this price, one Rafale F4 costs $287Mln in original specs without country specific upgrades, one brand new latest F16 Block 72 in original specs costs $63Mln.

 

[Pink Panther]

J10CE is their next best option den.....

it was not offered.

 

[Pink Panther]

which technology on F16 Block 15/16 or 52 is better than the tech on LCA Mk1a?

Comes with all US original parts not borrowed parts like in Tejas.

 

[Baka007]

Comes with all US original parts not borrowed parts like in Tejas.

US original is a joke, they stole engine tech from the Nazis
Even their country is stolen
So there is nothing "original" about the US.

 

[Kira]

The F-16s are undoubtedly one of the better aircraft out there, but considering they are already used, the Argentine Air Force might face operational readiness issues sooner rather than later anyways. Regardless, they went with whatever deal they thought best, so good on them for that.

That is true,but operational readiness is also directly proportional to spares availability which would be much easier to obtain given that there are thousands of F-16s still in active service and will only slowly dwindle over the coming decades,so a very logical(and logistical 🧐) choice made by Argentina.