Jesús Daniel Romero for Poder & Dinero and FinGurú
The acquisition of American-made F-16 fighter jets by Argentina, Ukraine, and Vietnam—nations historically constrained by economic, ideological, or geopolitical barriers—marks a transformative shift in the global defense dynamic. As a retired U.S. Naval Intelligence officer, I view these developments as both surprising and deeply significant. My experience negotiating sensitive bilateral agreements in Vietnam for the location of missing U.S. personnel provides me with a unique perspective on the evolution of the relationship between the United States and Vietnam. These agreements for the F-16s not only modernize regional air forces but also challenge entrenched narratives promoted by regimes such as those in Cuba and Venezuela, signaling a broader strategic realignment with far-reaching implications for global security.
Argentina: A turn in South America
In April 2024, Argentina signed an agreement to acquire 24 Danish F-16s, a milestone in modernizing its air force (Felstead, 2024). This decision aligns it with NATO standards and strengthens bilateral ties with Washington. Despite its economic difficulties, Argentina thus reinforces its deterrent capacity in the South Atlantic and could redefine regional dynamics with countries like Chile and Brazil.
Ukraine: F-16 in the fight for survival
The adoption of F-16s by Ukraine exemplifies its rapid adaptation amid conflict. Since the delivery of the first aircraft by European allies in August 2024, Ukraine has employed the F-16s to intercept Russian missiles and conduct ground attacks (Reuters, 2025). President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed more deliveries in March 2025, although challenges such as a shortage of pilots and uncertainty regarding U.S. support persist (Kyiv Independent, 2025). Complemented by French Mirage 2000 jets, this transition from Soviet platforms like the MiG-29 and Su-27 is notable.
Vietnam: A strategic signal to China
The agreement for Vietnam to acquire at least 24 F-16Vs, reported in April 2025, is the most geopolitically significant (Radio Free Asia, 2025). By moving away from Russian fighters like the Su-22, Su-27, and Su-30, Hanoi modernizes its air force and deepens its relationship with the U.S. This decision sends a clear message to China amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, reaffirming Vietnam as a key actor in containing Beijing's expansionism.
Defying expectations
These F-16 acquisitions contradict traditional assumptions:
● Historical barriers: Argentina's economic limitations, Ukraine’s Soviet legacy, and Vietnam's anti-American history made the purchase of F-16s unlikely.
● Geopolitical realignment: These agreements reflect a tilt towards NATO-compatible systems aligned with the U.S., countering Russian and Chinese influence.
● Ideological consequences: Vietnam's decision directly challenges the rhetoric of Cuba and Venezuela, which have used Hanoi's legacy to sustain anti-American narratives. The contrast with Venezuela’s aging F-16 fleet—leftover from a pre-Chavista era—highlights Vietnam’s strategic pragmatism.
Strategic implications
These agreements reconfigure global security in three key areas:
Regional dynamics: F-16s strengthen Argentina's position in South America, reinforce NATO's eastern flank through Ukraine, and project Vietnam as a counterweight to China.
U.S. defense exports: The F-16 remains a cornerstone of U.S. military sales, with an estimated annual production of 48 units for 2025.
Alliance building: The acquisitions enable greater interoperability, joint exercises, and bilateral training. In Vietnam's case, they could open doors to naval cooperation and missile defense systems.
Challenges and risks
Significant obstacles remain. Argentina's economic situation may affect the maintenance of its F-16s. Ukraine faces pilot losses and changes in U.S. support, although France is assisting with Mirage jets (CNN, 2025). Vietnam will need to balance its rapprochement with the U.S. while preserving strategic relationships with Russia and China.
A new chapter in defense
The emergence of F-16s in Argentina, Ukraine, and Vietnam marks a turning point in global defense. As outlined in my novel Final Flight: Queen of Air, the intersection of military technology and geopolitics defines the fate of nations. For Argentina, the F-16s represent regional ambition; for Ukraine, a lifeline; for Vietnam, an assertion of independence and a new role on the world stage. These unexpected operators are rewriting the narrative of international security.
References
● CNN. (February 7, 2025). Ukraine gets French Mirage fighter jets, more F-16s from the Netherlands. https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/07/europe/ukraine-france-mirage-fighter-jets-intl-hnk-ml/index.html
● Felstead, P. (April 16, 2024). Argentina signs purchase agreement for former Danish F-16s. European Security & Defence. https://euro-sd.com/2024/04/major-news/37679/argentina-buys-danish-f-16s/
● Kyiv Independent. (March 19, 2025). Zelensky confirms new arrival of F-16 jets to Ukraine. https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-confirms-new-arrival-of-f-16-jets-in-ukraine/
● Radio Free Asia. (April 21, 2025). Vietnam agrees to buy US F-16 fighters, defense website says. https://www.rfa.org/english/vietnam/2025/04/21/us-f16-fighter-jet-sale/
Reuters. (February 6, 2025). Ukraine receives F-16s from Netherlands, first Mirage jets from France. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-receives-f-16s-netherlands-first-mirage-jets-france-2025-02-06/
Jesús Daniel Romero, Retired U.S. Naval Intelligence Commander. Co-Founder and Senior Fellow of the Miami Strategic Intelligence Institute.
Author of the Amazon Best Seller "Final Flight: The Queen of Air," where he recounts part of his experience leading anti-drug cartel teams in Central America.
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