The State Department has cleared Argentina’s foreign military sale request for F-16 Aircraft equipment and support worth an estimated $941 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Wednesday Lockheed Martin will be the principal contractor for the potential deal, which will cover the delivery of missiles, bombs and other equipment along with support services for 24 F-16 Block 10/15 aircraft, acquired from a third party.
Argentina also asked for 36 AIM-120 C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, two AIM-120 C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections, 102 MK-82 500lb general purpose bombs, 50 MXU-650 air foil groups for 500lb GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, 102 FMU-152A/B joint programmable fuzes with FZU-63A/B fuze systems and 50 computer control groups MAU-169L/B.
Other requested non-MDE items are:
- Weapons and weapons support equipment
- Explosive charges, devices, propellants and components
- AN/ARC-238 radios
- Joint Mission Planning Systems
- FMU-169D/B inert fuzes
- Ground Support System for Link-16
- KY-58M and KIV-78 cryptographic devices, AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders, communications security cables and other COMSEC devices and equipment
- Cartridges, chaffs and flares
- Practical explosive ordinance disposal system trainer
- Avionics support
- Communications equipment
- Precision navigation
- Computer Program Identification Numbers
- Electronic warfare database support
- Major and minor modifications and maintenance support
- Aircraft components, parts and accessories
- Instruments and lab equipment
- Spare parts, consumables and accessories and repair and return support
- Classified and unclassified software delivery and support
- Classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation
- Personnel training and training equipment
- Clothing, textiles and individual equipment
- Jet fuel
- Aircraft ferry, aerial refueling and transportation support
- Studies and surveys
- U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services
- Related elements of logistics and program support
Argentina’s proposed purchase is intended to enhance its defense against existing and future threats by strengthening its air defense, offensive counter air and close air support operations capabilities.
Congress was notified by the DSCA of the potential sale Wednesday.
