Budgetary and Economic Considerations Tie MoD Hands

In early February, the Argentine Minister of Defence, Julio Martínez, confirmed that the purchase of new combat aircraft has been ruled out for the purposes short- and medium-term planning. He indicated the decision was taken after close consultations with President Mauricio Macri and has been forced on the MoD as a result of budget constraints and poor economic conditions across the nation.

Martínez confirmed that some discussions had been held last year with regard to possible acquisition of the KFIR, MIRAGE F-1 and/or possibly the MiG-29, but that such discussions have now been interrupted – perhaps cancelled.