Top Aces has secured a multi-year contract worth US $33.2 million (approx. A $47 million) to provide F-16 pilot training for the Fuerza Aérea Argentina (“FAA”).
“Top Aces is honored to be selected by the FAA to develop this advanced airpower capability,” US Group President at Top Aces, Steve Haase, stated.
“Our instructor pilots bring extensive U.S. Air Force backgrounds, each with more than 20 years of service and an average of over 2,300 flight hours in the F-16. Having built a fully operational F-16 enterprise from the ground up, Top Aces is uniquely positioned to train the next generation of Argentine combat leaders on their new and highly capable F-16 platform.”
The contract was awarded by the 338th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron (ESS) and will be managed by the US Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron (AFSAT).
“Following Argentina’s acquisition of the F-16, Top Aces’ ability to rapidly deliver high-quality, in-country training was a key factor in this award,” Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program Manager at Top Aces, Patrick McClelland, highlighted.
“By deploying our experienced instructors directly to Argentina, we provide seamless training from basic through instructor levels – optimizing student proficiency and progression to efficiently deliver a cost-effective, operationally-relevant solution that directly supports Argentina’s national defense objectives.”
This agreement has aligned with Argentina’s acquisition of high-performance F-16 aircraft from the Kingdom of Denmark. As the aircraft are delivered, Top Aces’ training program will ensure Argentine pilots are prepared to rapidly and safely transition to frontline F-16 operations.
The pilot training program will span the full spectrum of F-16 instruction, from the Basic Course (B-course) for initial qualification, through to Mission Qualification Training, Flight Lead Upgrade, and Instructor Pilot Upgrade. The contract has included two years of comprehensive pilot training, with an option for a third-year extension.
Training will be conducted by Top Aces instructor pilots at FAA air bases using Argentina’s own F-16 aircraft. The curriculum integrates academic classroom instruction, advanced aircraft simulators, and live-fly training across multiple F-16 mission sets.