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ARGENTINA FINALIZES BUDGET FOR FIGHTER JET ACQUISITION; WHO COULD BE THE FINAL WINNER IS UNCLEAR: REPORT

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 9/24/2022 1:01:34 PM

SANTIAGO,Sep 23 Argentina’s government has told lawmakers that it plans to spend about $684 million to procure new fighter jets and build related infrastructure reports US based defence portal DefenseNews. The hunt for Argentina’s next fighter aircraft appears to be moving swiftly, with the government informing the parliamentarians about the budget it plans to spend on purchasing new fighter jets and constructing related infrastructure. The South American country has also made known its requirements for its upcoming fighter aircraft. According to reports, the country’s air force plans to purchase a multirole fighter jet equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an inflight refuelling system, a tactical data link, and an electronic warfare defensive suite, Eurasiantimes further reported. The aircraft should not contain any British components, and the in-flight refuelling system should be interoperable with tanker aircraft currently in the inventory of the Argentine Air Force. However, the potential contract could be curtailed given the British embargo on arms sales to Argentina, which has so far frustrated a couple of deals, particularly for those aircraft with Baker's pilot ejector seat. Nevertheless, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the manufacturer of the fighter is making an effort to replace all British components of the TEJAS jet fighter, with Indian made components. Argentina’s defence ministry mentioned that the aircraft with an open architecture would be required to incorporate armaments and equipment from any source. But, the fighter jet must not have any systems, subsystems, or components that are British made or designed. Earlier ambassador Dinesh Bhatia met Brigadier General Xavier Isaac, Chief of Air Force of Argentina & discussed initiatives to further amplify bilateral engagements between India & Argentina in Defence Sector.