Argentina, Uruguay continue search for new combat aircraft
Argentina has discussed acquiring the Tejas light combat aircraft with an HAL delegation but any decision is likely to be postponed until after presidential elections in October. (Photo: Indian Air Force)
Argentina has held discussions with India’s HAL about acquiring Tejas fast jets and helicopters, while Uruguay awaits funding for an A-37 Dragonfly replacement.
A delegation from India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) visited Buenos Aires between 5-9 June to offer the company’s aerial platforms, including the Tejas light multirole combat aircraft and helicopters, the Argentine MoD reported in a 7 June press release.
HAL representatives met with senior defence officials, including Minister of Defence Jorge Taiana, and Brig Gen Xavier Isaac, air force commander. Additionally, they visited the country’s aerospace company Fábrica Argentina de Aviones.
The Argentine Air Force has operated without primary combat aircraft since 2015 when its fleet of Dassault Mirage warplanes was decommissioned. Shephard has reported about potential suppliers in recent years,
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA]()
Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
The contract signed between MBDA and Fly-R will see diamond-shaped loitering munitions developed and prepared in the UAE. How does this move fit into wider market trends in the region?
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up]()
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: How the deep-strike, loitering munition market skyrocketed to $13.8 billion in three years]()
Eurosatory 2026: How the deep-strike, loitering munition market skyrocketed to $13.8 billion in three years
Ukraine’s rapid development of long-range, deep-strike loitering munitions has helped turn the sector into a market worth an estimated US$13.2 billion. The reasons behind this were outlined during Eurosatory 2026, as other countries embark on the early stages of procuring this capability.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Why security agencies are expanding UAS operations across Europe]()
Eurosatory 2026: Why security agencies are expanding UAS operations across Europe
Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) are an increasingly important tool for Europe’s law enforcement and public security agencies, with the past two years seeing rapid growth in operational deployment, procurement and regulatory acceptance.
