Argentine Air Force personnel continue F-16 training in the United States under Peace Condor

As the Argentine Air Force (FAA) reaches a series of milestones in bringing the F-16 AM/BM Fighting Falcon into service, Argentine personnel assigned to sustain and operate the new weapons system are continuing their training in the United States. This was reflected in activities undertaken by members of the service during the first days of January at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, as part of the co-operation efforts under the Peace Condor programme.

During the visit, the Argentine personnel exchanged experience with the 305th Rescue Squadron, a unit specialising in Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) missions. The activity gave them an insight into procedures and capabilities for recovering pilots in hostile environments. This is a core element of the F-16 operational ecosystem, as it directly supports aircrew survival, mission effectiveness and decision-making.

The incorporation of CSAR capabilities is especially important for air forces introducing a new front-line weapons system. For Argentina, the arrival of the first six F-16 AM/BM aircraft at the beginning of last December represents more than the acquisition of the platform itself. It also requires doctrinal, logistical and operational adaptation across every support element needed to maintain operations in more demanding scenarios.

F-16 AM/BM and Combat Search and Rescue training

The United States training is part of a broader programme of knowledge transfer and technical instruction that the FAA has pursued since 2024, following the agreement to acquire F-16 MLU aircraft from Denmark. As is customary, the process covers the adaptation of technical documentation, logistics-management systems and maintenance procedures to the standard adopted by the Argentine Air Force. It also includes the previously mentioned training for pilots, as well as technical personnel, maintenance specialists, logistics staff and operational planners.

It should be noted that the aircraft delivered in December 2025 remain in the process of technical preparation and systems adaptation. They have not yet begun flight operations following their handover ceremony, which was led by Argentina’s President, Javier Milei.

Technical preparation and logistics for the Argentine Air Force

Along the same lines, several groups of Argentine Air Force technicians have taken part in specialised courses in recent months covering aircraft maintenance, spare-parts management and electronic-system support. Within this framework, Argentine technical personnel attended initial F-16 maintenance training courses in the United States during June 2025. These included practical instruction focused on sustaining the airframe, engine and associated systems.

These activities formed an initial preparation phase at the facilities of aggressor aircraft company Top Aces in Mesa, Arizona, United States, before the aircraft arrived in Argentina. They marked the beginning of the development of technical capabilities for the weapons system.

Subsequently, in September 2025, an Argentine Air Force technical delegation completed acceptance of the first Peace Condor programme logistics package in Kolding, Denmark. On that occasion, FAA personnel carried out physical and documentary verification of the material using the ILIAS management system, employed by the Royal Danish Air Force and adopted by Argentina. This first package launched the logistics transfer to Argentina and established the foundations for technical support for the F-16AM/BM aircraft that have recently arrived in the country.

Peace Condor logistics support for the F-16 fleet

Most recently, another step in the programme was completed only a few weeks ago with the receipt of a new logistics package at the Río Cuarto Materiel Area (ARMACUAR). This was a key measure towards establishing in-country infrastructure capable of supporting the fleet. According to the information released, 50 containers carrying tools, spare parts, components and weaponry intended to sustain future F-16 system operations arrived on 9 January.