Argentinian air power modernisation makes modest progress
Argentina has modernised its C-130 fleet and is due to receive new helicopters and turboprop utility aircraft from the US. (Photo: FAA)
The Argentinian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina/FAA) is acquiring new Bell helicopters and is upgrading its combat and transport fixed-wing aircraft fleets.
On 30 January, the Argentinian MoD ratified a 21 December 2022 contract between the country’s military and the Canadian Commercial Corporation for six Bell 407 GXi helicopters, a transfer worth $32.4 million. Three aircraft will be transferred to the FAA and the other three to the army. They will be utilised for search-and-rescue operations in mountainous terrain, the MoD explained. However, the ministry did not disclose when the helicopters will be delivered.
Additionally, on 1 February, the MoD displayed a Lockheed C-130H Hercules (tail number TC-64) and an IA-63 Pampa III Block II trainer aircraft. Both had been modernised by the state-owned
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