Trans-Atlantic Ferry: Six F-16s for Argentina Complete Ocean Crossing and Land in Brazil
Supported by USAF tankers, the ex-Danish F-16s reached South America, carrying inert missiles for aerodynamic balance during the ferry flight. They are expected in Córdoba by Friday.
- Six ex-Danish F-16A/B MLU fighters completed a trans-Atlantic ferry and landed at Natal Air Base in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
- The jets departed from Gran Canaria, Spain, and were refuelled en route by three USAF Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers.
- The F-16s carried inert orange AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on their wingtips as counterweights to prevent wing flutter during the ferry flight.
- This shipment is the first batch of 24 second-hand F-16s purchased from the Royal Danish Air Force.
- The aircraft are scheduled to stay in Natal until Friday, December 5, before continuing to Río Cuarto Material Area in Córdoba province, Argentina for technical reception and servicing.
The first six F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters acquired by Argentina touched down this afternoon at Natal Air Base, in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte, after completing their crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. This technical stop marks the aircraft's entry into the region before their final transfer to Argentine territory.
The units departed early this morning from Gran Canaria International Airport in Spain. To complete the transoceanic journey, they were supported by three Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers from the United States Air Force (USAF), which provided aerial refueling.
According to our media partner Aeroin, while the tankers proceeded to Belém before returning to the US, the F-16A/B MLU (Mid-Life Update) fighters landed in Natal at 15:45 local time.
- What aircraft arrived in Natal, Brazil?
Six ex-Danish F-16A/B MLU (Mid-Life Update) fighters arrived at Natal Air Base.
- How did the F-16s complete the trans-Atlantic crossing?
They departed from Gran Canaria, Spain, and were refuelled in flight by three USAF Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers.
- Why were orange AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles fitted to the wingtips?
They were inert counterweights used to reduce structural instability and prevent wing flutter during the ferry flight.
- How many F-16s has Argentina purchased from Denmark in total?
Argentina purchased a total of 24 second-hand F-16s from the Royal Danish Air Force; the six are the first delivery.
- Where will the aircraft go after leaving Natal?
They are scheduled to fly to the Río Cuarto Material Area in Córdoba province, Argentina, for official technical reception and servicing.
Ferry Configuration
A visual detail that stood out during the arrival was the presence of orange AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on the wingtips. These devices are inert, containing no explosives or active propellants. Their installation addresses an aerodynamic necessity: they act as counterweights to reduce structural instability and prevent wing flutter, a standard configuration for ferry flights of this weapon system when not fully armed.
This initial batch represents the first delivery of a total of 24 second-hand units coming from the Royal Danish Air Force.
Current planning indicates the aircraft will remain in Natal until Friday, December 5. Subsequently, they will depart for the Río Cuarto Material Area in Córdoba province, where official technical reception and servicing will take place before their definitive operational deployment.
