Argentine Navy Receives Beechcraft TC12B Huron Aircraft

Argentina's Ministry of Defense officially received the second Beechcraft TC12B Hurón aircraft on January 22.

The event was led by Minister of Defense Luis Petri.

This new aircraft, part of a larger strategic plan to bolster the Argentine Navy’s strength, will increase air-naval patrols along the country's coastlines. These enhanced patrols are essential to protect Argentina’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and safeguard its strategic resources, particularly in areas critical to national security.

During the delivery ceremony, Minister Petri emphasized the importance of these multipurpose aircraft, explaining that they are crucial for a variety of defense tasks, including territorial deployment, logistics, and training. "This aircraft will allow us to train but also perform various functions, enabling us to continue reaching Antarctica and reaffirming our sovereignty over the region," Petri stated.

The Beechcraft TC12B Hurón, a pressurized twin-engine turboprop fixed-wing aircraft, boasts impressive specifications. With a fuel capacity of 1,653 liters, it can operate for up to six hours with a top speed of 453 km/h, making it well-suited for long-range patrols and surveillance operations. The aircraft has the ability to carry up to seven passengers, along with a crew of three.

The Beechcraft TC12B will join the Naval Maritime Surveillance Squadron, under the Naval Aviation Command. This new addition follows the successful delivery of a similar unit in 2023. Notably, the previous aircraft of this type achieved a milestone in November 2024, when it made its inaugural landing at Argentina's Petrel Antarctic base.

This acquisition is part of a broader joint procurement effort between the Argentine Navy and Air Force, with both branches benefiting from the new aircraft’s capabilities. By enhancing Argentina's logistical and patrol capabilities, the new TC12B Hurón will not only protect vital resources within the EEZ but also strengthen the country’s logistical operations on the Antarctic continent.