The last four weeks have seen the shoots of renewal only to be followed by the cold hand of death for the Argentine Airforce. With fresh reports about newly refurbished C-130 being delivered and an order for new T-6C+ things were starting to look up for the Argentine Airforce. The influence of a new government starting to get the wheels rolling towards practical steps to recapitalise their fleet.
http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsargentine-air-force-takes-delivery-of-upgraded-c-130-aircraft-4949268
http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsus-approves-300m-sale-of-t-6c-texan-aircraft-to-argentina-4971243
Then in the last few days the bombshell, the last half decent combat aircraft in their Airforce the A-4AR is to be retired through lack of spares, maintenance issues leading to lack of availability.
http://www.janes.com/article/62600/argentina-to-retire-ageing-a-4ar-fleet-by-2018
Interestingly enough in February the Argentine MOD put out bids for submissions for parts and J52 engines to help overhaul the grounded part of their A-4AR fleet. Also interestingly it was the Argentine Airforce who informed the Argentine MOD that the A4-AR were to be retired in 2018 which does beg a few questions.
Foremost in my mind is this a shot across the bows of the Argentine Government by the Argentine Airforce along the lines of: “We can’t keep these things flying and we need something to happen”. Every attempt to buy a new replacement jet has failed due to unrealistic expectations or failure to release funding.
Has the Argentine Airforce in effect said “Enough is enough” – “Fund a new jet to our liking or the capability ends”!
Unless something quick can be pulled out of the hat then the IA-63 will be the sole fast jet of the Argentine Airforce with the only other type in Argentine service being the Super Etendard.
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August 10, 2016 at 10:17 am