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.

 

[Mak]

Thank God, had they selected Tejas then our beloved HAL would take atleast 4-5 (that too if no delay happens) years to deliver them to Argentina.

Stop it with the copium, sour grape analysis.

If Argentina had chosen Tejas, HAL would be given the go ahead for extra facilities which in turn would help establish economies of scale and make Tejas cheaper for everyone.

HAL should look to R&D, produce and acquire ejection seats and radomes from within India or else things like this will keep happening.

 

[sanjay]

Though F16 might be the best..but working with american wishes and hanging sword of sanctions can be a hard nut to crack in the time of need

 

[Mohan Ranganathan]

I thought Tejas was fully local made.. I was wrong; ..indigenous plane.. but now after doing checkouts even tires, brake pads, landing gear, windshield wipers, glass canopy, not to mention engine, latest bvr radar, ecm..s, target acquisition, jammers, cockpit, hud, target & night vision mounted helmets etc etc are imported. of course the frame, fuselage metal & fibre material is locally done.

Only label made in India..

 

[Avada kedavra]

From jet engine tech to everything they stole from Germans (Me 262)
Go sell ur lies somewhere else, Yankee bootlicker
Invention of flight itself, since the age of dinosaurs!? 😅

The jet engines were made by the brits first. Frank whittle.
Germans only managed to get it into the air. It was not as valuable as the rockets. That became basis for the entire nuclear deterrence thing.
Yes the wright brothers invented flight in 1906. Didn't u read history books. They were American

 

[Sreedhar Radhakrishna]

Whatever said and done, all the players put up their best product to the customer. Finally it is the customer's choice to finalize a particular product or package, based on their situation.
So good for argentina. However maintenance cost of the F16s are very high. Buying any military hardware from USA comes with lots of end user agreements , limitations in choice of weapons system etc. Argentina won't have the freedom to integrate the weapons of their choice also.
Argentina has got a very good gun from USA, but not any guarantees for the uninterrupted supply of bullets.
So one can know the value of a gun with no bullets.

 

[Fresh Water]

When you buy from the US, you invariably invite the state department to plan situations for you wherein you would need more of their arms. This doesn't mean you are not going to face those situations otherwise, but just that the likelihood of the situation hitting you in the face goes up exponentially.

 

[Shankh Bhattacharjee]

On event of bullying by USA..these will be useless