Argentina: Our expectations for "Dragon" are not just buying and buying

Argentina's ambitious expectation is to become a regional agent in South America in South America!

Argentina's "Dragon FC-1"/"Thunderbolt JF-17" light fighter developed by China and Pakistan has made new progress. The United States "Defense News" revealed on the 25th that Argentina hopes to organize the production of the fighter in the country to obtain the capacity of modern fighters in disguise, and requires "major improvements according to their own needs."

But Argentina's ambitious expectation is to become a regional agent in South America in South America!

It is reported that the head of the Argentine United Military Staff Huan Martin Paloro recently caused a wide range of extensive speculation on Pakistan's visit, that is, the South American countries will eventually decide to purchase the JF-17 fighter.

It is said that Huan Martin Paleo will meet with heavyweight officials of the Pakistani military and government on June 14th to 15th from June 14th to 15th, including Pakistani Air Force Commander and Minister of Defense.

It is reported that the Argentine Air Force delegation just traveled to China in May to inspect this light fighter, including comprehensive technical evaluation, the use of simulator and flight test. In the recent Pakistani trip, Argentina officials discussed further and mentioned cooperation in national defense materials.

Argentine sources told the Defense News that the two sides discussed the possibility of assembling JF-17 in Argentina. The main parts were provided by China and Pakistan. In addition, some components were produced in Argentina. The Argentine military and government officials said the country eventually hopes to make major modifications on the country's JF-17.

Since the retirement of the last "Phantom" fighter in 2015, the Argentine Air Force has been lacking high -performance supersonic fighter. At present, only 10 old-fashioned A-4 fighters can be lifted off, but the actual combat power is worrying.

It is said that in September 2021, the Argentine Ministry of Defense allocated $ 664 million to purchase 12 fighter jets and received the offer from the Russian MiG-29 and China-Pakistan JF-17 fighters. The British Think Tank International Strategy Research Institute's latest "military balance" report mentioned: "Due to British pressure, the plan to buy fighters from other sources in recent years has failed."

Richard Fisher, a senior researcher at the US Think Tank International Evaluation and Strategy Center, said that Argentina is likely to be specially considering the JF-17 Block III model, which is currently producing for Pakistan. This improved model is equipped with active electronic scanning array radar and "Perak-15" long-range air-to-air missiles and supersonic anti-ship missiles.

Fisher said that the JF-17 Block III threatened the British active F-35B and the "Typhoon" combat console. The Western and Russian subsystems used by the machine can be easily replaced with the Chinese version, thereby offset British constraints.

It is reported that Argentina plans to produce JF-17 locally because this South American country hopes to be "regional fighter suppliers, and JF-17 will be used as its main product. It is said that in local assembly and production of JF-17 will also increase Uruguay and Peru. , Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela and Cuba are considered the possibility of this low -cost fighter.

However, Ponte, the head of the Argentine Minister of Strategic Affairs and the current head of the Argentine Think Tank "Regional Economic and Social Research and Coordination Center", said that Paleo's visit to Pakistan did not mean that Argentina would immediately sign a procurement agreement. On the one hand, Argentina's current economic situation is not good, and it is difficult to say whether it can provide sufficient purchase funds; on the other hand, the Argentine government tends to maintain a balanced relationship between China and the United States. The decision to purchase Chinese fighters may affect this delicate balance Essence The Argentine Army is considering the introduction of eight -wheeled armored vehicles from Northern China Industry Corporation. If the latter is selected, "it may reduce the opportunity to purchase JF-17, vice versa."

Source: No. 10 of the Privy Institute

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