[World] Argentina in negotiations for Israeli Kfir fighters

There are currently a combined 36 Kfirs in operational use with the air forces of Colombia (pictured), Ecuador and Sri Lanka, as recorded by Flightglobal's Fleets Analyzer database. 

After a long period of "preliminary evaluation", Argentina is negotiating the purchase of a batch of Israel Aerospace Industries Kfir Block 60 fighters.

The Block 60 is the latest upgraded version of the Kfir, which was used by the Israeli air force between 1975 and 1994. Some aircraft are being offered with General Electric J79 engines with zero hours following a complete overhaul, while other examples would need to have this work performed after their powerplant reaches 1,600 flight hours.

The upgraded fighter will carry an Elta Systems EL/M-2032 active electronically scanned array radar, which can operate in simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-surface modes and is capable of tracking up to 64 targets. Its open architecture design will also allow the customer to integrate other systems, industry sources say.

Representatives of the Argentinian air force visited Israel last year and were briefed about the proposed deal. Since then, the service has submitted a list of technical modifications that it would want to see incorporated for its potential use.

IAI declines to comment on the negotiations.

Flightglobal reported in January 2014 that Argentina could pursue a deal to acquire 18 of the combat aircraft from Israel.Argentina chooses Israel over China for fighter jet purchase A Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder on display at the opening ceremony of the 51st Paris Air Show on June 15. (Photo/CNS) 

Argentina has decided not to purchase the FC-1 Xiaolong, a multirole fighter jointly developed by China and Pakistan also known as the JF-17 Thunder, reports the Shanghai-based Guancha Syndicate.

Argentina has gone opted for Israel Aircraft Industries' Kfir Block 60 as its next-generation multirole fighter. Though the Xiaolong's lower price had been attractive, China refused to provide anti-ship missiles under diplomatic pressure from the UK, according to the Moscow-based Military Parade.

The price of the Xiaolong would not have been too much of a bargain in the end, since Argentina had insisted that China install avionics and weapons systems purchased from Israel as part of the deal.

Israel Aircraft Industries has declined to comment.

Internet users from Pakistan mocked Argentina's choice, saying the Kfir is an obsolete military aircraft introduced in the 1980s. It currently serves with the Israli Air Force in a ground attack role instead of aerial combat. Additionally, Argentina will be buying previously used planes.

  ✈ flightglobal | Wantchinatimes