Argentina Armed Forces thread

[planeman]

Really interesting thread, thanks. I'm going to ask a question which I'm hoping comes across with the respect and genuine curiosity that it is intended, and that we do not have any political or nationalistic crap invading this excellent thread.

How does the current Argentinean armed forces compare in overall capability and training levels to the army of 1982? Or put another way, with worldwide technological advancements adjusted for, if the Argentinean army of today fought the Argentinean army of 1982, who would win and why?

[Elbs]

That's a great question planeman. Obviously the armed forces have incorporated newer technologies and improved equipment. The navy in particular has improved with the MEKOs, P-3 Orions, the newer submarines and the marines have gotten new equipment. Conscription has ended so in theory training should improve with professional soldiers. There's also been a continuing trend of engaging in multinational exercises whenever possible.

But in reality the funding situation has really hit the services hard. Very few new purchases have been carried out: most of the already small budget goes towards maintenance and wages. In 1982, Argentina had some of the best equipped forces in all of Latin America. The last decade has not been good for the services, especially after the 2001 economic meltdown.

IMHO, I'd say equal or better training, but reduced capability because of harsh funding shortages.

[planeman]

Yeah the Navy sure seems better, although back in 82 the Type-42s and Carrier, on paper at least, made them look pretty good by Latin American standards. Today I think Chile has a clear edge(?) in the paper-match up.

The Army has the weird choice of no proper MBT. TAM is not bad in itself but with Leopard 2s on the continent, looks more than a bit lacking.

And the air force is without a credible air-defence capability(?)

[Elbs]

Yeah the Navy sure seems better, although back in 82 the Type-42s and Carrier, on paper at least, made them look pretty good by Latin American standards. Today I think Chile has a clear edge(?) in the paper-match up.

The Army has the weird choice of no proper MBT. TAM is not bad in itself but with Leopard 2s on the continent, looks more than a bit lacking.

And the air force is without a credible air-defence capability(?)

You're right with the Type 42s and the Sea Dart providing good AAW coverage and the strike power of the carrier. I think the biggest drawback would be the lack of ASW capability.

The TAM seems to be adapted to the Patagonian environment with its light weight, but I agree. Perhaps something like used Leopard 1 or 2s would be more fitting of today's needs and budget.

The air force still relies on the nearly 40 year old Mirage family and the A-4 which is hardly an interceptor. At least they can carry (some Mirages too IIRC) the AIM-9L/M Sidewinder. But no true BVR weapon, no precision guided weapons for ground attack, only one aerial tanker, etc.

I think it's important to keep in mind though that Argentina faces no real threats today. Relations with Chile and Brazil have been good for a while, and I'm pretty sure another Falklands adventure is far from the military's mind.

[planeman]

Yeah for budget options there's probably some second hand T-72s floating around Europe, and for newer builds several T-72 based designs like Degman, OPLOT and Twardy which surely would be willing to supply any order from Argentina.

For air defence second hand F-16s seems the obvious choice, those Mirages must be more expense than they are worth

[Elbs]

Speaking of Mirages...

[Universals]

Elbs....you really got this thread going. Great pics.

[panzzer]

The new system for standoff weapons DARDOS II(darts 2) is entering service with the FAA and low-rate production

[Ordie]

Yeah for budget options there's probably some second hand T-72s floating around Europe, and for newer builds several T-72 based designs like Degman, OPLOT and Twardy which surely would be willing to supply any order from Argentina.

For air defence second hand F-16s seems the obvious choice, those Mirages must be more expense than they are worth

Planeman,

Even though Chile and Brazil is overshadowing Argentina in terms of economic growth and military build-up. Argentina seems to buck the trend in terms by not taking economic chances and foregoing military investments.

For two good reasons:

1) The collective memory of hyper-inflation
2) The collective memory of military repression.

As a result Argentine civilian support for its military is next to nothing.

What I foresee is Argentina in becoming more of a human scale economy and a more leaner and mobile professional military much akin to that of New Zealand.

[Elbs]

Panzzer, those are fantastic shots of the Dardos. Thanks!

And Ordie, I agree. It is sad that the horrible crimes of the junta were able to tarnish the image of the armed forces to such a degree. I've had relatives serve, including my grandfather who served in the A.R.A. in the 1930s. But then again, the crimes of the 70s and 80s are still fresh on the minds of those who had to live through them. Very unfortunate.

[panzzer]

The replacement of the mirage family will be buy in 2012, the money is allready on a bank account u$ 1.7 blln

[ayanami_tard]

dardos really looks like storm shadow

any more information about it,further reading(in english) maybe?

[Pablo_ARG]

Here's the Argentina Special Operations Forces Thread

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums...d.php?t=118144

[W.Wittman]

Nice pics, guys, tnx!

Have any pics too.

UNIFORME PATAGONICO EJERCITO ARGENTINO and UNIFORME DE COMBATE EJERCITO ARGENTINO OFFICIAL (aka woodland, on 3rd photo)

[Elbs]

Interesting info and pics guys.

Thanks