Argentina–U.S.: Deepening a Strategic Alliance
On February 24, 2025, the Argentine Air Force inducted its first F-16 fighter jet at a ceremony held at the 6th Air Brigade in Tandil, Buenos Aires—an event marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of Argentina’s Armed Forces. (Photo: Mundo de Aviación)
Based on Maria Zuppello/Diálogo
Argentina and the United States continue to strengthen a partnership spanning over two centuries, rooted in shared values and a mutual commitment to regional security. Recent developments reflect an ongoing deepening of defence and security cooperation between the two nations.
Among the most notable milestones, Argentina’s Joint Special Operations Command and the U.S. Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) convened their first bilateral Special Operations Forces Talks (SOF Talks), aiming to enhance operational collaboration and lay the groundwork for sustained training partnerships. Concurrently, the Argentine Armed Forces commemorated the arrival of their first F-16 fighter jet, acquired with support from the United States, signalling a pivotal advancement in the country’s aerial defence capabilities.
“Argentina has a historic opportunity to redefine its role on the global stage. A strategic alliance with the United States not only modernises our military and technological capacity but also reshapes international perceptions of our country,” said Roberto Lafforgue, a seasoned diplomat and former officer in the Argentine Navy, in an interview with Diálogo.
SOF Talks
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Argentine President Javier Milei delivers a speech during a ceremony marking the U.S. donation of a C-130H Hercules aircraft to the Argentine Air Force, Buenos Aires, April 5, 2024. (Photo: U.S. Embassy in Argentina)
In mid-March, Argentina’s Joint Special Operations Command and SOCSOUTH formalised enhanced collaboration through the inaugural SOF Talks. This high-level strategic forum aims to improve joint military readiness and reinforce regional security through combined training exercises, knowledge-sharing among special forces, and standardisation of operational procedures. The dialogue concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding, endorsed by Argentine Army Brigadier General Cristian Pablo Pafundi, operational commander of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mark Schafer, commander of SOCSOUTH. The agreement formalised a long-term training commitment for Argentine special forces.
Established in 2018, Argentina’s Joint Special Operations Command is a relatively new entity that has rapidly developed its capabilities to address the increasing complexity of special operations missions. The new cooperation framework represents a critical move towards achieving greater interoperability and improving joint readiness in the face of shared security challenges.
One of the central components of this growing partnership is the planned Atlantic Dagger exercise, scheduled for February 2026 in Argentina’s Patagonia region. Although still in the preparation stage, the exercise is set to unfold in rugged locations such as Tierra del Fuego, Santa Cruz, and Islas de los Estados, renowned for their harsh weather and topography. Modelled after U.S. Special Forces operations in Alaska, the drill will involve high-stress, simultaneous manoeuvres in extreme conditions. Moreover, the training will serve to bolster Argentina’s operational preparedness in the Strait of Magellan, a key strategic maritime passageway linked to the Antarctic region.
New Aircraft
Marking a transformative moment in Argentina’s military modernisation efforts, the Argentine Air Force (FAA) officially received its first Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon in a highly publicised ceremony at the 6th Air Brigade in Tandil, Buenos Aires. According to defence publication Janes, Argentina is expected to receive an additional 24 F-16 aircraft starting in December 2025.
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“One of the finest fighter jets in the world is now part of the FAA’s arsenal, reinforcing the defence of our national sovereignty across the entire territory,” stated the Argentine Ministry of Defense. “This marks the recovery of our supersonic capabilities and the beginning of a new chapter for our Armed Forces.”
In April 2024, Argentina signed an agreement to acquire 24 U.S.-made F-16s from Denmark—a $300 million transaction supported by $40 million in U.S. Foreign Military Financing, the first such funding granted to Argentina since 2003. This purchase is part of a broader set of acquisitions involving U.S. defence technology. Other notable agreements include a deal with Norway for four Lockheed P-3 Orion aircraft for maritime patrol and surveillance, and a proposed acquisition of a Basler BT-67 aircraft from the United States for logistical missions in Antarctica. Additionally, in April 2024, the U.S. government transferred a C-130H Hercules transport aircraft to the FAA—valued at approximately $30 million—as part of a security assistance donation.
Cybersecurity
Another critical area of progress in bilateral defence relations is cybersecurity. In late March 2024, Argentine Minister of Defense Luis Petri and then U.S. Ambassador to Argentina Marc Stanley signed a cybersecurity cooperation agreement. Under this framework, both nations committed to expanding joint training, operational collaboration, and technological support in the realm of cyber defence.
“We signed a cyber defence memorandum with the U.S.—a crucial step forward in strengthening Argentina’s digital defence capabilities thanks to U.S. support,” Minister Petri wrote on his X account. “This partnership is a reflection of the deep and strategic relationship between our countries and a testament to our shared commitment to work together.”
For Roberto Lafforgue, the deepening of the Argentina–U.S. alliance is a welcome development. “Joint operations in the South Atlantic, collaboration on Antarctic initiatives, and cybersecurity cooperation are essential tools to confront transnational threats such as organised crime and drug trafficking, and to avoid alignment with global powers that do not share our democratic values,” he concluded.
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