Argentina goes Basler

In support of their Antarctic mission, the Argentinian Ministry of Defence has requested the sale of one or two Basler BT-67 Turbo prop Dakota variants. These utility aircraft are to be acquired through the Foreign Military Sales program (FMS). Approval for this procurement was given by the US State Department on 18 April 2024. So far, one has been obtained.

According to Pucara.org, Argentina is negotiating to acquire an earlier example (conversion #070, ex N856RB/C-FYQG c/n 4654) that has not been delivered due to the bankruptcy of the buyer. If successful, it can be delivered sooner than the projected #071 (ex N700CA, c/n 12438).

The Basler BT-67 will be operated by the Fuerza Aérea Argentina (FAA, Argentine Air Force) out of Rio Grande in Southern Argentina while it will go to Petrel in Antarctica during the summer season. The second BT-67 is planned to be purchased in 2025 or 2026.

Besides the single aircraft, the Argentine Government also acquired supplementary equipment, including spare engines, logistics, and training support valued at a total of USD 143 million. According to the State Department, the proposed sale will improve Argentina’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing additional capacity for airdrop and airlift operations to service Antarctica during the winter season. It is believed that this will reduce the burden on other airlift assets in the country.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated that this proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by improving the security of an important non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in South America.

For more information on the Basler Turbo Conversions, read the Scramble Magazine article from October 2022.

Credit photos: Erwin van Dijkman (Guatemala BT-67) and Gert-Jan Mentink (Scramble Archive)