Argentina is pursuing the acquisition of two Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft to support its incoming fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, according to the country’s Air Force chief.
Brigadier General Gustavo Javier Valverde confirmed the plan in remarks reported by Zona Militar, saying the service intends to add aerial refueling capability to expand the operational reach of its fighters.
Argentina has so far received six F-16AM/BM aircraft from Denmark, part of a 24-jet deal with deliveries scheduled to continue through 2027. Without aerial refueling, the aircraft are limited by their internal fuel capacity, particularly over the long distances that define South American airspace.
The F-16 is equipped with a receptacle for boom refueling, the rigid system used by the U.S. Air Force. This configuration prevents the use of probe-and-drogue tankers, narrowing Argentina’s options and making the KC-135 a natural fit.
A similar setup is used by Chile, which operates both F-16 fighters and KC-135 tankers. Peru, which has announced plans to acquire 12 F-16 Block 70 aircraft, is also evaluating the addition of a KC-135 fleet.
Developed in the 1950s from the Boeing “Dash 80” prototype that also led to the 707, the KC-135 remains a key element of U.S. aerial refueling operations. Many aircraft were later upgraded to the KC-135R standard with CFM56 turbofan engines, improving fuel efficiency and performance.
Argentina is seeking to acquire the aircraft through a transfer from U.S. Air Force inventory, a process that depends on availability and U.S. operational requirements. Demand for tanker aircraft has increased in recent years, which may affect delivery timelines.
Beyond refueling, the KC-135 can also carry cargo, partially restoring a long-range transport capability lost when Argentina retired its Boeing 707 fleet.
