Milei's Government Approved $12.7 Billion Reforms to Receive the F-16s.

The Government of Javier Milei authorized reforms for $12.7 billion at the Río Cuarto airport with the aim of adapting it to receive F-16 fighter jets.

The Argentine Air Force acquired these aircraft from Denmark for $300 million and plans to have part of the fleet operational by 2026. The first units will arrive this year at Área Material Río IV, located in the province of Córdoba.

The Regulatory Body of the National Airport System (ORSNA), under the Ministry of Transportation, has already given the green light to the construction project, which will be managed by Aeropuertos Argentina. These improvements are part of the renovation plan stipulated in the current concession, although, for now, the renovations at Tandil airport have been excluded from the 2025 program.

From the Milei Government they explained that "the runway will be used for the airfield and for the F-16s," and justified the exclusion of Tandil by stating that "Tandil wasn't included because there was no budget due to a lack of commercial traffic to support it."

The airport concession includes the allocation of a percentage of the trust caused by the passenger usage fee to finance works.

The modernizations

The renovations will begin on June 3 and are expected to conclude on September 3. The work plan includes the repaving of the main runway, which measures 2,260 meters (7,415 feet), as well as adjustments to the margins and an extension of the thresholds to optimize turns.

Another planned intervention at Río Cuarto airport is the modernization of the beaconing system, with an estimated budget of $500 million. This work includes replacing the cables of the main and secondary circuits in the areas affected by the repaving, as well as installing new regulators.

The project also includes the implementation of a new low-consumption LED lighting system for the edges of the taxiways, the platform, as well as the installation of new thresholds and runway ends.

Additionally, the tender provides for the installation of mandatory vertical signage in the taxiing areas, and this process is expected to begin in April 2025. "Both works will be fully financed by the company," they noted from Aeropuertos Argentina.

The General Directorate of Military Airworthiness of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces will be responsible for the construction of the infrastructure and the coordination of operations. It was also announced that a training program for the pilots who will operate the F-16s will be carried out, who already have flight experience in the IA-63 Pampa.

The Ministry of Defense completed the purchase of the armament for these aircraft from the United States for an amount of USD 300 million. The equipment acquired includes short-range missiles and air-to-ground weapons.

In total, 18 single-seat aircraft and eight two-seat aircraft will be added to the fleet, with an operational cost per flight hour ranging between USD 10,000 and USD 20,000. This calculation includes ground crew expenses, component wear, fuel consumption, and pilot remuneration.