The US State Department approved the sale of 34 F-16 aircraft and other military equipment to Argentina in a deal valued at $941 million.
The package also includes Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, general-purpose bombs, components for laser-guided weapons, and fuze systems.
“The proposed sale will improve Argentina’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing the additional capacity to conduct air defense, offensive counter air, and close air support operations,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated.
Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the sale, which will still need Congressional approval.
‘Major Non-NATO Ally’
Argentina maintains a strategic relationship with the US.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the US by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in South America,” the DSCA said.
In April, the US announced $40 million in foreign military financing to enhance Buenos Aires’ defense capabilities, including contributing to its F-16 purchase.
This marked the first time in two decades that the Latin American country has received such funding from Washington.