What the New Decree Means
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Argentina's government broadened the military secrecy regime surrounding its F-16 fighter jet program. Through Decree 735/2026, published in the official gazette, the export of material linked to the weapon system has been classified as a Military Secret. This includes aircraft components, engines, spare parts, live and training ammunition, as well as additional contracts for equipment and complementary capabilities.
The rationale states that these exports will primarily serve maintenance and upgrade tasks, among other technical operations. The decision follows the start of flight operations of the system on March 30, 2026 at the Área Material Río IV in Córdoba province.
What Does 'Military Secret' Actually Mean?
In Argentina, military secret is a security classification that protects sensitive information related to national defense. It is governed by Decree 9390/1963, which sets classification levels and procedures to safeguard data that could compromise state security. Under this regime, access to information is restricted to authorized personnel only, and unauthorized disclosure can lead to legal penalties. This is a common practice in many countries for high-tech defense programs.
A Series of Secrecy Decrees Since 2024
This latest measure adds to a chain of decrees that have, since 2024, protected every phase of the acquisition of 24 F-16 fighters bought from Denmark at an initial cost of US$301 million (with total estimated costs around US$650 million). Here's a quick timeline:
| Decree | Date | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 370/2024 | April 2024 | Declared the original purchase contract a military secret. |
| 807/2024 | September 2024 | Extended secrecy to infrastructure works (VI Air Brigade in Tandil and Río Cuarto Area) and import of related material. |
| 1073/2024 | December 2024 | Included additional contracts for equipment and complementary capabilities, including agreements with the US under Foreign Military Sales and with the US Navy. |
| 735/2026 | August 2026 | Declares the export of material (parts, engines, spares, weapons) for maintenance and upgrades a military secret. |
Inside the F-16 Program: What You Need to Know
Argentina acquired 24 F-16 fighters from Denmark to modernize its combat capability after retiring the Mirage fleet in 2015. The deal, sealed in April 2024, included four flight simulators, eight engines, and five years of guaranteed spare parts, plus training for pilots and mechanics. The purchase was facilitated by Washington's efforts with the UK.
The first batch of six jets arrived in Argentina in December 2025. A second batch of six is expected in the second half of September 2026, ahead of schedule. The remaining aircraft will be delivered progressively, with the final ones expected by 2028.
Meanwhile, the VI Air Brigade in Tandil is preparing to become the permanent home of the fighters, with construction work estimated to take between two and two-and-a-half years. The 2026 budget includes $20 billion Argentine pesos (about US$15 million) to upgrade Tandil and Río Cuarto facilities.
Who Signed the Decree and Why
The decree carries the signatures of President Javier Milei and Defense Minister Lieutenant General Carlos Alberto Presti. It empowers the Secretariat of Strategy and Military Affairs within the Ministry of Defense to implement the necessary steps for these exports under the secret classification.
The government's reasoning cites the National Defense Law, which aims to permanently guarantee national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the capacity for self-determination, as well as protecting the life and freedom of citizens. The measure is designed to protect sensitive information during maintenance operations that require shipping components abroad—a standard procedure in complex defense programs worldwide.