Re: New interceptors for the Argentine Air Force?
The United States Air Force (USAF) will be retiring approximately 249 aircraft from its inventory, according to what the newspaper Defense News in its edition informs in its May 25th edition from last year. This represents a little more 10% of the USAF present inventory of 2,360 combat aircraft. For several Latin American Air Forces this can be a unique opportunity to update inventory at low cost with second hand American aircraft.
Unfortunately the ideological blindness of some Latin American countries can work against this great opportunity. With the stead march forward of the lethal F-35 and F-22, the Secretary of the United States Air Force, Michael Donley, announced the reduction in the number of combat aircraft. The USAF will count on reducing within the next couple of years; 112 F-15 and 134 F-16, from its inventory. Additionally for the first time the budget of the USAF does not include monies for purchases of more F-15’s or F-16’s, which the total commitment towards the introduction of the F-35. These second hand 246 F-15’s and F-16’s can be an opportunity for the majority of the Air Force in the region.
Argentina, first in the list by alphabetical order, has a serious necessity for modern combat aircraft. Their Mirage III and derivatives are obsolete platforms without any military value. In addition they are dangerous to fly. The A-4 AR, although modernized and with new avionics installed in the 90, is an aircraft of low benefits compared with the rest of the aircraft in Latin America. A replacement of the Mirage family by ex--USAF F-16 shows itself like a prudent and sensible option. However the stopgap ex-Jordanian Mirage F-1 will at least keep the Mirage III pilots flying.
Bolivia: For ideological and practical reasons, it does not seem that this new infusion of used aircraft on the market affects Bolivia. It is difficult to see Evo Morales purchase American Aircraft. Additional difficult that the United States would approves the sale, and on the other hand they are not airplanes that the Bolivian Air Force needs. The purchase of surplus L-159 was announced this year. The Emb-314 would also be the ideal aircraft for Bolivia.
Brazil is not only looking for the best modern combat aircraft, but also a deal that would include a fair amount of technology transfer. For that reason the FX-2 program is vitally important not only for their Air Force but also for its industry. It would seem then that this second hand opportunity does not fit in Brazils plans. But then again the F-X program was cancelled and resulted in the purchase of ex--French Mirage 2000. Could it happen again? Not probable, but one never knows.
Chile, with its recent purchase from Holland of a second hand F-16 MLU, plus the ones purchased from the USA gives them a respectable force of 48 (F-16 MLU and F-16 Block 50). But additional F-16 purchases are always a possibility, although the option of European MLU has more possibility than ex--USAF versions.
Colombia seems fully committed with its Kfir C-10. They have taken great effort to purchase more and modernize their Kfir’s. Colombia is counting that they can counter the breach that separates them from the neighboring Su-30. Here the purchase of ex-USAF F-15 would fit perfectly.
Ecuador: Its Sepecat Jaguars retired without replacement, the Mirage F-1 and Kfir, although able, are already getting along in years. Ecuador is one of the countries that but benefit from this new situation, however ideological reasons will prevent the Ecuadorian Air Force on obtaining the F-16. Would the United States authorize the sale? Would Colombia be in agreement? It seems impossible.
Mexico could benefit by replacing its F-5 Tigers, or to supplement them. Although fighters are not a priority in their present fight against the drug cartel, the Mexican Air Force has always maintained a small but efficient nucleus of them. The SAAB Gripen is a temptation and a desire. However, the price of F-16’s might turn the scales and be too good to pass up.
Paraguay would not seem to be interested, and a purchase of this magnitude would even go against its recent efforts to homogenize a small force around useful platforms that satisfy its needs. Brazil is the main supplier and donor for the Paraguayan Air Force. And for Paraguay this is the best option.
Peru could be discarded as a possible purchaser of F-15’s and F-16’s. In March, of last year, the Peruvian government signed contracts to modernize its MIG-29, so there is little probability that they will make so drastic a change from Russian to American, but it’s not impossible. With the recent expansion of the number of Chilean F-16’s, the F-15 or the F-16 could find their place.
Republic Dominicana and Guatemala already chose (very well) the Super Tucano. They do not need to spend on expensive aircraft when the Super Tucano fulfills their needs effectively and efficiently.
Uruguay does not seem to be a candidate, since these airplanes are 4th generation and cost more than the Air Force can afford, or support. The Pucaras will continue to serve as a capable aircraft. In the future the Emb-314 seems like the natural replacement.
This is a great opportunity to rebuild the present fleet, of the combat aircraft of the Argentina Air Force; I hope that the corresponding authorities make the correct decision.
