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Russian planes are not considered: Argentine Air Force is choosing a new fighter

November 29 2020



Recently, the South Korean manufacturer of FA-50 fighters, KAI, refused to sell its fighters to the Argentine Air Force. This raised questions about the possibilities of London, not interested in updating the fleet of its geopolitical rival, to influence potential suppliers trying to work in the interests of Buenos Aires.

British veto

According to the chief of staff of the Argentine Air Force, Javier Isaac, aircraft manufacturers easily succumbed to British pressure, since they doubted the country's financial ability to pay for the purchase of new fighters.

The British veto reaction did not take us by surprise. Because we have long expected this not only from KAI, but also from everyone who offers us products [meaning combat aircraft]
- explained the general.

However, as he points out, the situation has now changed radically. The authorities have adopted a law in accordance with which a program for the localization of the production of military products is being launched.

To implement it, the military-run National Defense Fund (FONDEF) was created in October. It is projected to have a budget of over 2021 billion pesos ($ 34 million) in 420. The funds from it should go to the technical modernization of the troops, and it is planned to carry it out with reliance on the local production base.


JF-17

Not a word about Russia

As Isaac points out, now foreign partners have seen the seriousness of Buenos Aires' intentions, which has shown a willingness to guarantee payment for orders. At the same time, the country's Air Force is studying the possibility of purchasing fighters not in the West, although there are doubts about this alternative.

There are a large number of service providers and service opportunities in the West, but not in the East.
- Isaac declared.

According to him, the Air Force in its choice is to a certain extent constrained by financial constraints, so they cannot afford expensive systems such as the F-16, Gripen and others. The general explained that the purchase of a JF-17 fighter is possible. This Chinese-designed aircraft is produced in Pakistan, which was visited by a special commission of the Air Force in 2017:

We are currently talking about the Block 3 version, which is a completely different aircraft. We're talking about the tech type that the Air Force is looking for.

As the general explains, for the army, the acquisition of this model would be a real breakthrough:

A leap we have never taken. We had a lot of Mirage, we had a lot of A-4 [American Skyhawks]. We never had the last generation aircraft, we had the previous one.

As journalists interviewing noted, "there will always be a British veto."

We perfectly understand those who say that a “non-Western” product is a bad decision. This is a decision that we would not have made, but it is not final [...] We need at least fourth generation combat fighters. If you need to bring them from China, then we will bring them from China.
- explained the head of the Air Force.

At the same time, the question of the possibility of acquiring Russian fighters was not even considered. Apparently, the regime of sanctions imposed on Moscow and the pro-American course of the current Argentine government do not even allow it to be raised.

 
01:2601 December
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Russian planes are not considered: Argentine Air Force is choosing a new fighter
November 29 2020
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JF-17


Recently, the South Korean manufacturer of FA-50 fighters, KAI, refused to sell its fighters to the Argentine Air Force. This raised questions about the possibilities of London, not interested in updating the fleet of its geopolitical rival, to influence potential suppliers trying to work in the interests of Buenos Aires.

British veto

According to the chief of staff of the Argentine Air Force, Javier Isaac, aircraft manufacturers easily succumbed to British pressure, since they doubted the country's financial ability to pay for the purchase of new fighters.

The British veto reaction did not take us by surprise. Because we have long expected this not only from KAI, but also from everyone who offers us products [meaning combat aircraft]
- explained the general.

However, as he points out, the situation has now changed radically. The authorities have adopted a law in accordance with which a program for the localization of the production of military products is being launched.

To implement it, the military-run National Defense Fund (FONDEF) was created in October. It is projected to have a budget of over 2021 billion pesos ($ 34 million) in 420. The funds from it should go to the technical modernization of the troops, and it is planned to carry it out with reliance on the local production base.


JF-17

Not a word about Russia

As Isaac points out, now foreign partners have seen the seriousness of Buenos Aires' intentions, which has shown a willingness to guarantee payment for orders. At the same time, the country's Air Force is studying the possibility of purchasing fighters not in the West, although there are doubts about this alternative.

There are a large number of service providers and service opportunities in the West, but not in the East.
- Isaac declared.

According to him, the Air Force in its choice is to a certain extent constrained by financial constraints, so they cannot afford expensive systems such as the F-16, Gripen and others. The general explained that the purchase of a JF-17 fighter is possible. This Chinese-designed aircraft is produced in Pakistan, which was visited by a special commission of the Air Force in 2017:

We are currently talking about the Block 3 version, which is a completely different aircraft. We're talking about the tech type that the Air Force is looking for.

As the general explains, for the army, the acquisition of this model would be a real breakthrough:

A leap we have never taken. We had a lot of Mirage, we had a lot of A-4 [American Skyhawks]. We never had the last generation aircraft, we had the previous one.

As journalists interviewing noted, "there will always be a British veto."

We perfectly understand those who say that a “non-Western” product is a bad decision. This is a decision that we would not have made, but it is not final [...] We need at least fourth generation combat fighters. If you need to bring them from China, then we will bring them from China.
- explained the head of the Air Force.

At the same time, the question of the possibility of acquiring Russian fighters was not even considered. Apparently, the regime of sanctions imposed on Moscow and the pro-American course of the current Argentine government do not even allow it to be raised.


It is not ok for Pro American gov to buy from Russia but it is ok to buy from China? What kind of logic is this?
 
If Pakistan actually pushed and tried they could easily sell 24-30 JF-17s each to Argentina, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Indonesia and maybe another 16-20 to Nigeria (they already ordered 5).

There is such high demand right now for a fighter class similar to the JF-17. Also other nations to consider and market... Algeria, Morocco, Brunei, Sri Lanka. Pakistan can easily export a minimum 200+ thunders in the next decade with the right vision/marketting.
 
Didnt they initially reject the JF17, because they said they didnt want to deal with Pakistan, which they accused of supporting terrorism? I believe it was also around the time that India was looking to invest in the country (which ended up amounting to nothing).

Lol, how the tables turn.
And what about they chose J-10 instead of JF-17???
Price.

The j-10 is more capable than the thunder, but it is also far more costly.

They need a fighter for defensive purposes, so the thunder is perfect for that role.

If they were thinking of building an offensive air force (which they aren't, due to budget issues), then they would buy the j-10. Actually, they'd probably try and go for f-16s, which they originally tried to do, but couldn't afford.
 
one of those rare times i would wish to tell them to **** off and buy Tejas or purchase at premium price at our conditions ... dhobi ka kutta na ghar ka na ghaat ka
 

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