In recent times, the Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina or FAA) has been at a critical juncture in choosing its next fighter aircraft. One of the contenders in this race was India’s very own Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). However, as the situation unfolds, the Tejas LCA is not in the competition any more.
According to the national daily La Nacion, the decision rests with a team of experts from the Argentine Defence Forum, which have been analysing all alternatives presented for modernization of the Armed Forces.
Argentina’s decision to opt for four used American-made P-3 aircraft from Norway has significant implications. It is essential to understand the factors and dynamics that led to this outcome and what it means for the broader geopolitical landscape, particularly in the context of India’s growing influence in defense and Argentina’s choices in the fighter jet arena.
Juan Battaleme, Director of the Argentine Council for International Relations (CARI), provided valuable insights to Financial Express Online from Buenos Aires. He pointed out the complexities of Argentina’s situation, particularly due to the ongoing electoral period. The acquisition of second-hand P3 aircraft from Norway has raised questions about the nation’s direction in terms of aircraft purchases.
In his view, “considering that India just purchased new P8 aircraft from the United States, there will be an even greater compatibility matrix. On multiple issues India is working closer to the West.”
Despite uncertainties regarding aircraft purchases, Battaleme, an expert in International Security, Defense and Geopolitics acknowledges India’s stature as a top-tier arms supplier. According to him India’s military capabilities are not inferior to Western complexes and, in certain aspects, even comparable to those of China. This recognition of India’s defense prowess opens the door for promising opportunities in defense cooperation between India and Argentina, particularly in areas like digital technology and drones. The prospect of enhanced collaboration between these two nations, driven by mutual interests in defense and technology, is gaining momentum, he observes.
LCA Vs Others
In the realm of fighter jets, India’s Tejas LCA found itself pitted against two other options: second-hand Danish F-16 A/B Fighting Falcons and newly-manufactured Chengdu JF-17 Thunder Block Three fighters from China. This competition drew significant attention, with geopolitical implications that extended far beyond Argentina’s borders.
The United States, in particular, has shown a keen interest in Buenos Aires opting for the F-16. This interest is rooted in the strategic objective of denying China a more extensive foothold in Latin America. The US Southern Command, under the leadership of Gen. Laura Richardson, has explicitly expressed concerns about China’s growing presence in Latin America. Chinese investments in the region are viewed as steps that bring China closer to US territories, thereby raising security concerns. While there isn’t a Chinese military base in the Western Hemisphere yet, the ongoing infrastructure investment projects by China in the region have led to speculations about the possibility of such bases in the future.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) played a role in this scenario. In late July, DSCA notified the US Congress about authorizing third-party transfers to Argentina. This included a potential acquisition of up to six F-16 Block 10 and up to 32 Block 15 Danish F-16 aircraft. The estimated value of this deal was an impressive US $338 million, though it is important to note that these Danish aircraft had already undergone a mid-life upgrade, making them compatible with the more advanced C/D-series configuration by 2005. The figures presented in DSCA notifications are often indicative, serving as a “ceiling” for the total program acquisition over multiple procurements, so the final quantity might differ.
The role of Chengdu JF-17 Thunder Block Three fighters in this competition adds a unique dimension to Argentina’s fighter aircraft selection. The JF-17, designed at Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) in Sichuan Province, China, brought forth an interesting proposition. The aircraft’s origins trace back to the J-7, a reverse-engineered version of the Mikoyan MiG-21, with a distinctive bifurcated inlet configuration. This project received further impetus through the longstanding collaboration between China and Pakistan.
The joint effort, resulting in the JF-17 Thunder, was marked by the establishment of a production line at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in Kamra. Notably, the final design of the JF-17 diverged from the initial concepts by incorporating foreign onboard electronics and a Russian-made NPO Klimov Isotov RD-93MA engine, as opposed to a Chinese aeroengine. The Klimov powerplant was a single-engine adaptation of the MiG-29’s RD-33 engine, with its accessory pack repositioned to the bottom of the engine.
Argentina received an offer of 15-20 JF-17 fighter aircraft. While some units would be produced at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra, discussions were also ongoing about the prospect of co-production in Argentina, a tantalizing prospect for the local government.
What is particularly notable is that, despite the JF-17 being officially categorized as an aircraft manufactured in Pakistan, the entire discourse revolved around interactions with Chinese authorities.
The dynamics at play in Argentina’s fighter jet selection process reflect the complexities of modern defense acquisitions. When evaluating the F-16 and JF-17 options, several factors come into focus.
One key consideration is the age of the aircraft. The F-16 aircraft being offered to Argentina are approximately four decades old and have seen extensive use. In comparison, the JF-17 offers a more contemporary alternative. This age factor raises concerns about the durability and longevity of the F-16s, which have already faced rigorous use over the years.
The proposal involving Chengdu JF-17 Thunder Block Three fighters suggests a minimum of 15 new-build units, with potential negotiations for additional batches in the future. This approach presents a more flexible and scalable acquisition strategy for Argentina.
In conclusion, Argentina’s selection of fighter aircraft carries broader implications for its defense capabilities and geopolitical positioning. While the exit of India’s Tejas LCA from the competition was unexpected, it opened up opportunities for enhanced defense cooperation between India and Argentina, particularly in areas such as digital technology and drones. The choice between the F-16 and the JF-17 highlights the complexities of modern defense acquisitions, where age, package structure, and geopolitical factors all play pivotal roles. As Argentina navigates these considerations, the decision it makes will not only shape its defense capabilities but also have implications for the broader regional balance of power in Latin America.