March 19, 2026 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina, FAA) has awarded a multi‑year contract to Canadian air services provider Top Aces to deliver F‑16 pilot training, marking a key milestone in Buenos Aires’ effort to stand up its newly acquired F‑16 fleet.
Under the deal, valued at approximately $33.2 million, Top Aces will provide comprehensive pilot instruction from basic qualification through mission qualification, flight lead upgrade and instructor pilot training. The contract, issued under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales framework, is expected to run until June 30, 2029, with an option for an additional year of service.

Unlike some foreign training programmes that use contractor aircraft, the FAA’s training will be conducted on Argentina’s own F‑16 fighters at Argentine Air Force bases. The syllabus will combine classroom instruction, simulator work and live flying instruction, tailored to the FAA’s specific operational requirements.

Top Aces’ instructor pilots bring extensive experience with the F‑16, many with over 20 years of U.S. Air Force service and more than 2,300 flight hours on the Fighting Falcon. According to the company, its background in building and operating a fully‑fledged F‑16 training enterprise makes it well placed to support Argentina’s transition to operational capability on the type.

Argentina’s F‑16 programme has been one of the most significant developments in the nation’s military aviation in decades. The country acquired 24 F‑16AM/BM Fighting Falcons from Denmark, with the first batch of six aircraft delivered in late 2025. These fighters are destined to restore a supersonic combat capability the air force has lacked since the retirement of its earlier jets in the mid‑2010s.

The Top Aces training contract supports this effort by building a cadre of qualified FAA pilots and future instructor pilots, enabling Argentina to sustain an independent pilot training pipeline in the years ahead.

March 19, 2026 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Greece approved a new defense package that includes further upgrades to its F-16 fighter fleet alongside the acquisition of additional air defense systems, as part of a broader effort to modernize its armed forces. The decision was announced on March 16, 2026.
Expanding the F-16 upgrade program
The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) operates a fleet of approximately 150 F-16s, making it one of the largest operators of the type in Europe. As part of its ongoing modernization effort, Greece has already upgraded around 40 aircraft to the advanced F-16V Block 70/72 “Viper” standard.

The latest plan includes the upgrade of an additional 38 F-16 block 50 aircraft, further expanding the number of jets equipped with modern avionics and systems.

The F-16V upgrade introduces the AN/APG-83 AESA radar, enhanced mission computers, advanced cockpit displays, and improved electronic warfare capabilities. These upgrades significantly boost the aircraft’s situational awareness, survivability, and interoperability with NATO forces.

Once completed, the Viper-standard F-16s are expected to form the backbone of Greece’s fighter fleet for years to come.

Integrated air defense improvements
In parallel with the F-16 upgrades, Greece is investing in new and upgraded air defense systems to strengthen its layered defense network. These systems are designed to complement the capabilities of the modernized fighter fleet, improving the detection and response to a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, missiles, and drones.

The combined approach reflects a broader strategy of integrating airborne and ground-based assets into a cohesive air defense architecture.

Looking ahead
Beyond the F-16 program, Greece is also moving forward with its next-generation fighter plans. The Hellenic Air Force is expected to receive at least 20 F-35 Lightning II aircraft, with an option for 20 additional jets, further enhancing its future capabilities.

Together, these investments underline Greece’s intent to maintain a modern, flexible, and interoperable air force, capable of operating effectively within NATO frameworks while addressing regional security challenges.

Further details on timelines and contract specifics have yet to be released.