A Sky Full of Celebration and Air Power
This Monday, August 10, 2026, the city of Buenos Aires witnessed an imposing spectacle in the sky. The Argentine Air Force celebrated the 114th anniversary of the creation of the Military Aviation School with a display led by the modern F-16 fighter jets.
The aerial route began at 9:45 AM, flying over iconic landmarks such as the Obelisk, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, the Costanera Norte, and the River Monumental Stadium. The deployment involved more than 30 aircraft and a ground parade, led by Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Carlos Alberto Presti, and the Air Force Chief, Brigadier General Gustavo Javier Valverde.
The Takeoff from Río Cuarto
The journey to the Buenos Aires sky began much earlier. At 9:00 AM, the Río Cuarto Material Area (Las Higueras Air Base) was the scene of a ceremony before the six F-16s departed for the Morón Military Air Base. This base is becoming a key operational hub for bringing new weapons systems into service, marking a historic stage for national military aviation.
What are F-16 fighter jets?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a supersonic combat aircraft originally developed in the United States and widely used by air forces around the world. Argentina purchased 24 units from Denmark in 2024. The first batch of six aircraft arrived in the country in December 2025, and a second batch of six fighters is expected in September 2026, completing the total fleet of 24 aircraft that modernizes combat capability after years without operational supersonic fighters.
History, Tradition, and Adhesions
The commemoration dates back to August 10, 1912, when President Roque Sáenz Peña signed the decree creating the Military Aviation School in El Palomar, province of Buenos Aires. Pioneers like Jorge Newbery drove this feat. In 1954, the date was officially established as Argentine Air Force Day.
The anniversary transcended the capital. In San Luis, the Vice Governor participated in a commemorative event, as reported by Agencia San Luis. Additionally, the Turismo Carretera (ACTC) family joined the celebration, remembering the bravery of aviators in the Malvinas and their historical connection to road racing, as detailed on the official TC website.