The Argentine Air Force has formally withdrawn its A-4AR Fightinghawk fighter-bomber fleet from service, closing nearly three decades of operations for the upgraded Skyhawk variant. The decision comes as Argentina advances the incorporation of second-hand F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon fighters from Denmark, which are set to assume the core air defense and strike roles previously held by the A-4ARs.
Introduced in 1998, the A-4AR program modernized ex-U.S. Marine Corps A-4M airframes with avionics derived from the F-16, including new radar and updated cockpit systems. The aircraft became the backbone of Argentina’s combat aviation following the retirement of its Mirage family in 2015. However, by 2020 only a handful of A-4ARs remained operational, and availability rates continued to decline.
Plans initially called for recovering up to 18 airframes, with budget lines assigned for avionics modules, self-protection equipment, and engine and generator components to keep a minimum number flying with V Air Brigade at Villa Reynolds. Those efforts were overshadowed after a fatal accident in July 2024 led to the grounding of the fleet pending investigation, and no aircraft subsequently returned to full operational status.
With financial and logistical resources now concentrated on introducing the F-16, officials have opted to end A-4AR flight operations rather than pursue an extensive, long-term life extension. Technical teams are focusing on preservation and cannibalization of remaining aircraft for training and spares as the Air Force transitions to an all-F-16 front-line fighter force.