The Argentine Air Force has formally requested two KC-135R Stratotankers from the United States through the Foreign Military Sales program to support its incoming fleet of 24 F-16 Fighting Falcons from Denmark. Brigadier General Gustavo Valverde, chief of the air force, confirmed the request in interviews with defense outlets Zona Militar and others, noting that the tankers are essential for aerial refueling compatibility.
Argentina’s existing KC-130H Hercules tankers use a probe-and-drogue system suitable for older A-4 Skyhawks but incompatible with the F-16s’ boom refueling method. The KC-135R addresses this gap, enabling extended range for patrols over Argentina’s vast territory, high-altitude operations, and international missions. Valverde described the procurement as a hot transfer of available aircraft, though Argentina is queued behind other nations like Denmark, with deliveries subject to U.S. prioritization.
In the interim, the U.S. is providing KC-135R tankers to ferry the F-16s from Denmark. The first six jets—four single-seaters and two twin-seaters—departed Skrydstrup Air Base on November 28, stopping in Spain’s Canary Islands for refueling before proceeding to Brazil and then Argentina, with support from an Argentine Boeing 737-700 T-99 and C-130s. Argentine pilots occupy rear seats in the twin-seaters during these flights, which take three to four days with rest stops. All 24 aircraft will arrive in similar rotations by air.
Once integrated, the KC-135Rs will also bolster transport capacity, carrying up to 37,000 kilograms of cargo and restoring capabilities lost with the retirement of Boeing 707s.