The U.S. Department of State has approved Argentina’s request to purchase the Basler BT-67 transport aircraft and associated materials and program support, such as spare engines and parts, repair and maintenance services, and technical documentation.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which transmitted the State Department’s approval to Congress, said the proposed procurement has an estimated value of $143 million, with Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based Basler Turbo Conversions as the principal contractor.
According to the company’s website, the Basler BT-67 modernized DC-3 aircraft is designed for transport reliability and cost-effective operations. Current Basler users include the air forces of Thailand, Guatemala, Colombia, Mali and El Salvador.
In February 2023, Argentine military officials confirmed negotiations for the purchase of at least two Basler aircraft for their Antarctic operations, Latin American news website Aviacionline reported.
DSCA said Argentina’s acquisition of the aircraft will enhance an ally’s security through additional airdrop and airlift service capability in Antarctica during winter. The Basler sale will not affect the military balance in the region, the agency added.
The South American republic is also looking into the possibility of purchasing American surplus Boeing CH-46 medium-lift helicopters, as well as light utility helicopters from India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics.