Argentina Officially Begins Talks To Become NATO Partner
Argentina officially requested to become a partner of the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance on April 18, with the announcement made during a visit by Argentine Defence Minister Luis Petri to NATO’s Brussels headquarters.
During the visit, Petri met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană for initial talks towards a partnership. According to a NATO readout, the talks saw the two leaders exchange views on European and Latin American security challenges. The Deputy Secretary General welcomed Argentina’s role in supporting Ukraine with lifesaving humanitarian assistance, including food, medicine, and support for refugees.
“It is a great pleasure to welcome Defence Minister Petri to NATO Headquarters,” said Mr Geoană, adding:
“Argentina plays an important role in Latin America, and I welcome today’s request to explore becoming a NATO partner. NATO works with a range of countries around the world to promote peace and stability. Closer political and practical cooperation could benefit us both.”
Columbia is currently the only NATO partner in Latin America. According to NATO, while not full members, NATO partners gain access to the alliance’s capacity building initiatives, practical cooperation in the field, political consultations, and intelligence sharing.
Petri’s visit to Brussels comes shortly after a visit to Denmark, where he formally signed a contract purchasing 24 F-16s formerly operated by the Royal Danish Air Force. After the April 16 signing, Petri said that the purchase of the F-16s was a “transcendental step” for Argentine defense policy.
According to an Argentine government spokesperson, the cost of the package including the 24 aircraft, eight spare engines, four simulators, and spare parts for five years of operations was $300 million.
Argentine newspaper La Nacion reports that deliveries of the F-16s will begin in 2025, with the 6th Air Brigade at Tandil Air Base the first unit to operate them. The unit’s squadrons had previously operated Mirage IIIs, Mirage 5s and IAI Neshers prior to their retirement.