Argentina signs $300m deal to buy 24 used F-16 Fighting Falcon jets from Denmark

Argentina has finalised a $300m deal to purchase 24 F-16 Fighting Falcon jets from Denmark.

The agreement will also see Argentina acquire four flight simulators, eight engines and spare aircraft parts to support its new fleet for five years.

Argentinian defence minister Luis Petri said purchasing the used Lockheed Martin aircraft was the "most important military aeronautical acquisition since 1983", referring to Argentina's 1982 military defeat.

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The Argentine ministry of defence posted images of Mr Petri seated in an F-16 jet with the caption: "These aircraft, equipped with cutting-edge technology, represent a milestone in the modernisation of our air force and underscore our unwavering commitment to protecting our sovereignty."

Argentina's other combat aircraft include the IA 63 Pampa, an advanced jet trainer that is combat-capable, and the A-4AR Fightinghawk, an upgraded version of the A-4 Skyhawk that saw action against British forces during the Falklands War.

According to the Danish ministry of defence, the decision to sell the Danish jets to Argentina had been "carried out in close collaboration with the American government, who has approved the sale of the US-produced aircraft".

Earlier this year, Lord Cameron became the first foreign secretary to visit the Falkland Islands in 30 years and met serving personnel from the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, as well as their families, at the Mount Pleasant Complex.