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In a series of significant visits, Argentina is set to strengthen its military ties with global powers. Brigadier General Yuval Shimoni, Director of Security at the Ministry of Defense of Israel, is scheduled to arrive in Argentina in September, seeking important agreements in the realm of cybersecurity and competing in the acquisition of drones. Defence Minister Luis Petri has also mentioned the start of a military re-equipment process with the incorporation of Orion P3 for the Navy, and the acquisition of supersonic F16 fighters.
Meanwhile, the Governor of the U.S. state of Georgia, Brian Kemp, a Trump ally with a strong military agenda, will arrive on March 27. The objective of his visit is to reactivate the agreements signed by Argentina during the Mauricio Macri administration with the National Guard. Kemp's visit follows two visits by U.S. legislators this week, and Alvin Holsey, U.S. Southern Command Chief, recently spoke at the inaugural speech of the South American Defense Conference (SOUTHCOM) in Puerto Madero.
Holsey's speech came on the heels of a commitment by Argentina to defense modernization, as evidenced by the acquisition of F-16 fighters and Stryker armored vehicles. The total number of F16 supersonic fighters bought by Argentina from Denmark is 24. This modernization process also includes the modernization of land capacity with wheeled vehicles and the acquisition of Stryker armored vehicles, as mentioned by Petri.
Argentina is not the only country seeking military agreements with the United States. The Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the National Security Council, Michal Jensen, is in Argentina to advise President Trump whether or not to meet with Javier Milei and when to do so. This visit is crucial for Argentina as Jensen's advice could potentially lead to further military cooperation between the two nations.
In a unique development, Argentina has also sought military agreements with Israel. Although the visit of Brigadier General Yuval Shimoni is not officially confirmed yet, it is being prepared for September, in the days prior to the trip of both to the United Nations General Assembly. Shimoni is seeking important agreements with Minister Petri in the military sector and within the framework of the memorandum of understanding signed by Milei and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
These visits and agreements signify a significant shift in Argentina's military strategy, with the country aiming to bolster its defenses and modernize its military capabilities. As these developments unfold, Argentina continues to establish itself as a key player in international military affairs.
