On Thursday 16 September, Argentina’s budget allocation presented before National Congress for the fiscal year 2022 included the request of US $664 million for the acquisition of JF-17 Thunder Block III fighters.
Discarding the offers from the USA, Russia, and India, Argentina Air Force (FAA) preferences for their next supersonic fighters are very apparent marking the favorable signs for Pakistan and China.
According to the latest modern standards, the allocated budget is enough for as many as 12 JF-17 Thunder fighters whereas, $20 million are contemplated for repair and modernization of the aircraft and runways for the new aircraft.
Considering the event of 2015, when Argentina’s Minister Agustine Russi authorized an amount of $360 million for the acquisition of 14 IAI Kfir, but later the acquisition of Israeli fighters was frozen under the new government. Argentina’s Air Force intentions are to complete the new purchases but nothing could be claimed before the time until the contract is being signed.
Underpinning the current economic and political scenario of the country with the new purchase intentions, more offers from other countries can be expected in the future.