Argentina plans to invest nearly $750 million in helicopters and airplanes for the Armed and Security Forces in 2025 budget bill

The Argentine government has announced a significant investment plan to enhance the capabilities of its Air Force and Navy, including acquiring F-16 fighter jets, medium transport aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and simulators. These expenditures are part of the 2025 budget bill, which the government has submitted to Congress for approval. The total expenditure for these programs amounts to 699.347 billion Argentine pesos, approximately 743.55 million USD.

To support the Incorporation of Equipment and Complementary Capabilities for the F-16 Weapons System, the bill includes a total expenditure of 24.334 billion ARS (approximately 25.87 million USD). This investment will be spread over four years: in 2024, the government plans to spend 5.685 billion ARS (~6.04 million USD); in 2025, 6.448 billion ARS (~6.85 million USD); in 2026, 6.761 billion ARS (~7.19 million USD); and in 2027, 5.440 billion ARS (~5.78 million USD). The F-16s will be based at the VI Air Brigade in Tandil, Buenos Aires Province.

To strengthen its transport capabilities, Argentina plans to invest in the Incorporation of Six Medium-Range Transport Aircraft, aiming to enhance logistical support and operational flexibility. The total expenditure for this program is 17.591 billion ARS (approximately 18.7 million USD), with the following distribution: in 2024, 5.374 billion ARS (~5.71 million USD); in 2025, 5.629 billion ARS (~5.99 million USD); in 2026, 3.524 billion ARS (~3.75 million USD); and in 2027, 3.063 billion ARS (~3.26 million USD). These aircraft will be stationed at the I Air Brigade in El Palomar, Buenos Aires Province.

The government also aims to acquire medium helicopters to enhance the Air Force’s capacity for personnel and cargo transport, a crucial component for various operations. The total expenditure for this program is 657.422 billion ARS (approximately 699.27 million USD). This expenditure includes 15.211 billion ARS (~16.18 million USD) in 2024, 60 billion ARS (~63.82 million USD) in 2025, 280 billion ARS (~297.72 million USD) in 2026, and 302.211 billion ARS (~321.55 million USD) in 2027.

Additional Investments

Additionally, the government plans to incorporate light naval helicopters to enhance the operational capacity of the fleet, with a total expenditure of 137.2 billion ARS (~145.94 million USD). There is also an allocation for the recovery and modernization of the CASA 212 AE-265 aircraft of the Army Aviation, with 2.37 billion ARS (~2.52 million USD). In terms of unmanned capabilities, UAVs will be incorporated with a total budget of 1.583 billion ARS (~1.68 million USD).

To complete the operation, loans amounting to 98 million USD have been authorized for the acquisition of the aforementioned light naval helicopters, which will operate on Argentine Navy surface units.

Helicopter Recovery and Modernization

The plan also includes the recovery and upgrading of four (4) Airbus Helicopters H125 for the National Gendarmerie, with a total expenditure of 14.9 billion ARS (~15.84 million USD). This investment includes 2.235 billion ARS (~2.38 million USD) in 2025, 2.235 billion ARS (~2.38 million USD) in 2026, 2.98 billion ARS (~3.17 million USD) in 2027, and the remaining 7.45 billion ARS (~7.92 million USD).

Additionally, there are plans for the modernization of two Airbus Helicopters (Eurocopter) AS365 Dauphin from version N2 to N3+ with a total expenditure of 11.82 billion ARS (~12.57 million USD). This includes 2.955 billion ARS (~3.14 million USD) in 2025, 3.841 billion ARS (~4.08 million USD) in 2026, 3.841 billion ARS (~4.08 million USD) in 2027, and the remaining 1.183 billion ARS (~1.26 million USD).

The budget also mentions the acquisition and enhancement of helicopters to complete the fleet of the Argentine Federal Police, with a total value of 31.3 billion ARS (over 32 million USD).

These and other acquisitions and expenditures highlight a substantial increase in defense spending, directly related to the need to modernize and recover operational capabilities after years of inactivity. If approved and executed, these investments will represent a significant technological leap for the national Armed Forces and Security forces.

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