THE F-16s OF ARGENTINA AND THE USD 2.400 MILLION FIGURE: THE NUMBER THAT IGNITED THE CONTROVERSY
On social media, a strong accusation began to circulate: that Argentina ᴀʀ would have to pay USD 2.400 million to the Pentagon solely for maintaining the engines of its F-16s.
The number exists.
But it doesn’t mean that.
The USD 2.400 million corresponds to the global ceiling of the U.S. program SPEED MAC, intended for the maintenance, repair, and provision of engine components for F100-PW-220/229 used by the F-16 and F-15 of the United States and of different countries integrated into the Foreign Military Sales system.
That is, it is not an Argentine invoice for USD 2.400 million.
Argentina bought 24 F-16s from Denmark for USD 301.2 million, including components and services.
In addition, the United States authorized a possible FMS operation of up to USD 941 million for armaments, spare parts, software, training, and support. But even that figure represents an estimated maximum authorization, not necessarily money already spent.
Argentine F-16s do depend on an international logistical chain and use Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220E engines. That implies future maintenance and support costs.
But turning an international program of USD 2.400 million into a supposed exclusive Argentine debt completely changes the story.
The number was real. The interpretation, not.
And while the debate continues, six new F-16s arrived in the country this week under the Peace Condor program.
Interpretation error or deliberate misinformation?
On social media, a strong accusation began to circulate: that Argentina ᴀʀ would have to pay USD 2.400 million to the Pentagon solely for maintaining the engines of its F-16s.
The number exists.
But it doesn’t mean that.
The USD 2.400 million corresponds to the global ceiling of the U.S. program SPEED MAC, intended for the maintenance, repair, and provision of engine components for F100-PW-220/229 used by the F-16 and F-15 of the United States and of different countries integrated into the Foreign Military Sales system.
That is, it is not an Argentine invoice for USD 2.400 million.
Argentina bought 24 F-16s from Denmark for USD 301.2 million, including components and services.
In addition, the United States authorized a possible FMS operation of up to USD 941 million for armaments, spare parts, software, training, and support. But even that figure represents an estimated maximum authorization, not necessarily money already spent.
Argentine F-16s do depend on an international logistical chain and use Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220E engines. That implies future maintenance and support costs.
But turning an international program of USD 2.400 million into a supposed exclusive Argentine debt completely changes the story.
The number was real. The interpretation, not.
And while the debate continues, six new F-16s arrived in the country this week under the Peace Condor program.
Interpretation error or deliberate misinformation?
