Indeed. A few years ago, the US upgraded a number Argentina’s A-4 Skyhawks which led them to be rather effective, so much so, as it turned out they were probably on par, better even, than any other A-4 operator’s. What upgrades and enhancements they received exactly, one doesn’t recall but nevertheless they proved to be a very compelling, capable platform when they were deployed to the US for training exercises. I believe back then their [Argentina] economy was no better, or worse, than it is today. So, if they choose to select say, Kfir, one would suspect they’d find it easy enough both financially and in an accessible sense to find options for enhancements and upgrades, if they’re needed.
I think they wacked in a APG-66 (Maybe even a downgraded version). As far as the US is concerned, still not a major offensive asset. Even used F-16 C/Ds would be a big over these. That will simply not happen, especially with the UK-US alliance being more important for both sides these days.
My bet is that Argentina may well suprise us. The air forces of the region have a history of operating very diverse fleets from very diverse sources. My best is on maybe a Gripen lease (under very favourable Swedish terms, with perhaps an opportunity to join Brazil’s Gripen NG buy at a later date) or maybe a FC-1 buy with some of the options Pakistan has put in (MAR 1 missile, AIM-9s etc.).
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