DefenseTop Aces wins $33 million U.S. contract to train Argentine F-16 instructor pilots
Top Aces Corp. has been awarded a $33.2 million contract by the U.S. government to provide F-16 instructor pilot training for the Argentine Air Force, supporting the country’s reintroduction of supersonic fighter operations.
According to a contract notice issued by the U.S. Department of War, the firm-fixed-price agreement covers training designed to enable Argentine pilots to achieve independent operational capability outside the continental United States. The work will be carried out in Argentina and is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2029.
The award falls under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) framework, with $22.75 million in fiscal 2026 FMS funds obligated at the time of award. The 338th Contracting Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, is the contracting authority.
The training contract follows Argentina’s receipt of its first six Lockheed Martin F-16A/BM fighters in December 2025. The delivery marked the country’s return to operating supersonic interceptors after a decade-long gap following the retirement of the Mirage III fleet.
According to current plans, more F-16 fighter jets will be delivered by 2026, out of an order for 24 aircraft. The training effort is intended to accelerate the Argentine Air Force’s ability to operate and sustain the platform independently as it rebuilds its air defense capability.
Top Aces, headquartered in Montreal with significant operations in Mesa, Arizona, is a defense contractor specializing in contracted airborne training services. The company supports customers including the U.S. Air Force, the Canadian Armed Forces and the German Bundeswehr.
Its fleet includes 29 F-16A/B aircraft registered and operating in the United States, along with Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets, A-4N Skyhawks and Learjet 35 aircraft used for adversary air and training roles.
The company has accumulated more than 130,000 accident-free flight hours supporting military training missions.
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