The news of Argentina planning to buy JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan has gone viral. The viral claim was first reported by a Twitter account AEROSINT Division PSF, which many media outlets followed. Archived version of the tweet can be found here.
Wion published the article with a title “Argentina planning to buy JF-17 fighters from Pakistan: Report”. Archived version of the article can be found here.
(Source: Wion/Screenshot)
Dainik jagaran published the article with a title “कर्ज के बोझ से दबा पाकिस्तान बेचने जा रहा अर्जेंटीना को 12 लड़ाकू विमान”
Which translates to, “Burdened by debt,Pakistan going sell 12 fighter planes to Argentina”. Archived version of the article can be found here.
(Source: Dainik jagaran/Screenshot)
Navbhatat Times published the article with a title “JF-17 Argentina : अमेरिका की नाक के नीचे उड़ेगा पाकिस्तान का ‘जंक’ फाइटर JF-17? अर्जेंटीना खरीदने जा रहा!”
which translates “JF-17 Argentina: Pakistan’s ‘junk’ fighter JF-17 will fly under America’s nose? Argentina going to buy!” Archived version of the article can be found here.
(Source:Navbhatat Times/Screenshot)
However both Dainik jagaran and Navbhatat Times mentioned that Argentina has not signed any sale agreement, but Wion has not.
FactO check:
A relevant keyword search has directed us to the Defense Ministry of Argentina‘s statement on its official website in Spanish.
(Source:www.argentina.gob.ar/Screenshot)
The same in English can be read below.
(Source:www.argentina.gob.ar/Screenshot)
In short, The Defense Ministry of Argentina has requested to include USD 664 million for the 2022 Budget for the acquisition of multipurpose fighter aircraft, but the budget has not been issued regarding the purchase of supersonic aircraft of any origin.
Conclusion: The claim that Argentina is buying JF-17 fighters from Pakistan is fake and misleading.
