Posted on 02/22/2010 6:39:07 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The possible transfer to Argentina of a refurbished model of the French manufactured fighter-bomber Super Etendard, which had an outstanding performance during the 1982 Falkland Islands conflict, is under consideration by the French Ministry of Defence, reveals the French publication, Mer & Marine Argentines part of the sophisticated avionics of the Super Etendard Modernized (SEM) model would take place in 2015 when the French navy will de decommissioning their air fleet to be replaced by the new Rafale.
However in the event of the operation going ahead it will depend on the availability of SEMs at the moment the French navy begins the decommissioning process, subject to the Rafale delivery program.
If an agreement is reached with Argentina it won’t necessarily mean the transfer of aircraft to fly with the Argentine Navy colours.
“The sale of aircraft or spares in stock will only be leased to ensure the modernization of the Argentine Super Etendard”, points out a French military source quoted by the publication.
In 1979 Argentina purchased 14 French Super Etendard, five of them were delivered before the Falkland Islands conflict and the rest following the end of hostilities with Britain.
Originally purchased to operate from the air carrier ARA 25 de Mayo, the eleven which remain, are now grounded in air fields because of the decommissioning of the carrier.
Since they use the same aircraft, the Argentine and French navies hold regular contacts and exchange of information.
(Excerpt) Read more at en.mercopress.com ...
Sukhoi-30MKI beat you to the post by 12 hours, and it was under the NAVAIR keyword.
Sorry, Strangelove.
Its all right.
Good I hope they beat those Muslims in round 2.
Muslims? Argentinia? Muslim! I believe you have your countries wrong (to be honest, the UK should currently be more 'Muslim' than Argentinia is)
I meant the UK! What is left of their country? Debt and immigrants. Viva las Malvinas next time!
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