As Argentina accelerates one of the most consequential upgrades to its air combat capability in decades, a Canadian-based adversary air and training specialist is stepping in to help bridge the gap between acquisition and operational readiness.
Top Aces Corp. has been awarded a $33.2 million multi-year contract to deliver F-16 instructor pilot training to the Fuerza Aérea Argentina (FAA), marking a significant milestone in both the company’s global expansion and Argentina’s modernization journey. The contract, issued by the 338th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron (ESS) and managed by the U.S. Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron (AFSAT), is designed to ensure Argentine pilots are ready to operate their incoming fleet of F-16 aircraft from Denmark—quickly, safely, and effectively.
Building Operational Readiness from Day One
The agreement comes at a pivotal moment. Argentina’s acquisition of F-16 aircraft from the Kingdom of Denmark represents a generational leap in capability, but the introduction of a new platform at this level demands more than delivery—it requires a fully integrated training pipeline capable of producing combat-ready crews at pace.
Top Aces’ role is to deliver exactly that.
“Top Aces is honored to be selected by the FAA to develop this advanced airpower capability,” said Steve Haase, U.S. Group President at Top Aces. “Our instructor pilots bring extensive U.S. Air Force backgrounds, each with more than 20 years of service and an average of over 2,300 flight hours in the F-16. Having built a fully operational F-16 enterprise from the ground up, Top Aces is uniquely positioned to train the next generation of Argentine combat leaders on their new and highly capable F-16 platform.”
The training program spans the full spectrum of F-16 pilot development. From initial qualification through the Basic Course (B-course), to Mission Qualification Training, Flight Lead Upgrade, and ultimately Instructor Pilot Upgrade, the curriculum is structured to build capability progressively while maintaining operational relevance.
In-Country Training for Mission-Specific Outcomes
A defining feature of the program is its in-country delivery model. Rather than sending Argentine pilots abroad, Top Aces will deploy its instructor pilots directly to FAA air bases, training crews on Argentina’s own F-16 aircraft.
This approach ensures that instruction is aligned with the FAA’s specific operational requirements and aircraft configurations, while also accelerating the transition timeline.
“Following Argentina’s acquisition of the F-16, Top Aces’ ability to rapidly deliver high-quality, in-country training was a key factor in this award,” added Patrick “Mongo” McClelland, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program Manager at Top Aces. “By deploying our experienced instructors directly to Argentina, we provide seamless training from basic through instructor levels – optimizing student proficiency and progression to efficiently deliver a cost-effective, operationally-relevant solution that directly supports Argentina’s national defense objectives.”
The curriculum itself integrates multiple layers of instruction, including classroom academics, advanced simulation, and live-flight training across a range of F-16 mission sets—ensuring pilots gain both theoretical grounding and real-world operational experience.
A Multi-Year Path to Capability
The contract includes two years of comprehensive pilot training, with an option for a third-year extension. Over that period, the program is expected to play a central role in establishing Argentina’s F-16 operational capability, enabling the FAA to field trained pilots and instructors as aircraft deliveries progress.
For Top Aces, the award reinforces its position as a leading provider of advanced air training services, particularly on the F-16 platform. For Argentina, it represents a critical enabler in translating new equipment into credible, deployable airpower.
