Argentina’s arms and security equipment spending reaches about US$445 million
Purchases under Javier Milei exceeded those during either of the two previous presidents’ full terms, according to an Infobae review.
An Infobae review puts Argentine government purchases of weapons and military and security equipment at about US$445 million under President Javier Milei. The spending covers December 2023, when he assumed office, through August 2026.
Drawing on official procurement records and international agreements, the newspaper attributed US$381.4 million to the military and US$63.7 million to federal security forces. Its calculation omitted salaries and operating costs, using each year’s average dollar exchange rate for purchases made in pesos.
The largest purchase involved Denmark’s sale of 24 F-16 fighters. Agreed in April 2024, the US$301.2 million acquisition is payable through five yearly installments. Six aircraft reached Argentina in December 2025, with another six arriving in September. The Air Force expects the remaining twelve could be delivered before December 2027.
Other acquisitions included 48 Unimog trucks and eight US-supplied Stryker armored vehicles for US$20 million. A letter of intent provides for the acquisition of up to 235 Strykers. Equipment contracted by the previous government also arrived during Milei’s administration, including six Bell helicopters and four P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft purchased from Norway for US$60 million.
For comparison, Infobae put equivalent spending across Alberto Fernández’s full presidency at US$428.7 million and Mauricio Macri’s at US$72 million. Defense Minister Carlos Presti said Argentina needed stronger military capabilities, readiness and resources to safeguard its sovereignty and strategic interests.
