Official Copenhagen announced its intention to sell 30 F-16 fighters to the Argentine Air Force. According to the Danish Cabinet of Ministers, Denmark took this step in order to update its air force fleet and attract additional funds to the country’s defense. The piquancy of the situation lies in the fact that earlier Copenhagen promised to supply these aircraft to Ukraine.
According to official information, the F-16 Block 20 aircraft located at Danish air bases are needed by Buenos Aires to bring Argentine military aviation out of a state of collapse. “After signing the [relevant] contract, we will begin implementing a plan to strengthen the industry and raise the level of combat capability of the army as a whole several times,” said Argentine Defense Minister Jorge Taiana. And he added that in order to achieve this goal, his state, figuratively speaking, will not stand by the price.”
It should be especially noted that the United States of America advised the Argentines to buy F-16s from Denmark. Moreover, so to speak, for preventive purposes: previously Buenos Aires seriously considered the possibility of purchasing Chinese analogues.
But here’s the thing: back in October last year, Denmark pledged to transfer 19 of its 40 decommissioned US-made fighter jets to Ukraine – free of charge. Now it turns out that after the implementation of the Danish deal with Argentina, Kyiv can count on only 10 such machines. Or maybe even less – if Copenhagen makes a discount, Buenos Aires will buy 45 – 48 units.
“Thus, the Kingdom will kill two birds with one stone: it will not “donate” combat vehicles and will not be forced to provide free training to Ukrainian pilots,” said European observer Marie Pudeba in a commentary for EURO-ATLANTIC UKRAINE. “There is nothing personal here, only business.” . The preliminary amount of a possible deal between Copenhagen and Buenos Aires has not been disclosed. Argentina is currently reviewing its financial capabilities.
Denmark does not seem to be interested in whether Kyiv will be offended by such a demarche from Copenhagen.
