Argentina Advances F-16M Program with Technical Training Visit to Top Aces Facility in Arizona
The Argentine Air Force (FAA) assessed the status of technical training at Top Aces in Arizona.
As part of the Peace Condor program, the Argentine Air Force (FAA) marked a new milestone with the recent visit of its F-16M Weapons System Implementation Committee and technical personnel to the Top Aces Training Center in Mesa, Arizona.
During the visit, the delegation assessed the current status of the technical training being undertaken by the first groups of Argentine personnel enrolled in the General and Specialized Maintenance Course for the F-16 platform. This training stems from a government-to-government agreement formalized through a Letter of Agreement (LOA) signed in December 2024 between Argentina and the United States.
The selected technicians previously completed an intensive English language training cycle at Lackland Air Force Base (Texas), home to the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) of the U.S. Air Force.
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Upon completion of the language training, the technicians began the technical course in Mesa, where they receive both theoretical and practical instruction on aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, specialized tools, and simulators. The Argentine delegation’s mission was to monitor program progress and ensure training content meets international standards set by the F-16M Program.
Key Activities During the Visit
The delegation's agenda included:
- Formal presentations on Top Aces’ training capability set
- Thorough review of the general course syllabus and F-16 specializations
- Direct observation of classes and workshops with Argentine instructors
- Tours of maintenance workshops
- Visits to model hangars and simulator facilities
These activities provided a direct look at the pedagogical approach and technical itinerary implemented by Top Aces, a Canadian firm renowned for its “Red Air” missions, electronic warfare (EW), aerial refueling, JTAC support, Red Flag exercises, and NVIS night flying capabilities.
Top Aces: Advanced Training Provider
Top Aces Inc., a civilian contractor authorized by the U.S. Department of Defense, was selected as a training provider due to its proven experience supporting international air training programs. The company is part of the Security Assistance Training Squadron (SATTS) framework, under the Air Force Security Assistance & Cooperation Office (SAF/AA).
Highlighted capabilities during the visit included:
Over 25 years of experience in air training
A safety record exceeding 140,000 flight hours
Support for numerous NATO exercises and allied air forces
Expertise in Red Air training, electronic warfare, NVIS night operations, and JTAC support
The instructor team includes graduates of the F-16 Weapons School, experienced pilots from the Thunderbirds Display Team, former squadron commanders, and weapons specialists, ensuring high levels of training specialization.
Next Steps in the F-16M Program
After completing formal instruction in Arizona, the technical personnel will move on to the “Over the Shoulder Training” (OST) phase at Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark, working directly with units of the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) using the equipment and aircraft acquired by the FAA.
The overall training process is expected to last over two years and includes rotations of pilots and mechanics across various international training centers as part of a broader plan for technology absorption and operational development.
AUTOR
Apasionado por la aviación, la historia, la política y la defensa. Editor-in-Chief en Aviacionline Defensa, combinando estos conocimiento para ofrecer un contenido valioso sobre temas estratégicos y de seguridad.
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